Sunday 15 October 2017

TRURO ENSURE CORNISH REPRESENTATION IN THE FA CUP FIRST ROUND

There will be Cornish representation in the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 1969 after Truro City won their fourth qualifying round match with Hampton and Richmond Borough.

The White Tigers defeated their fellow Vanarama National League South 2-0 to become the first side from the county since Falmouth Town to reach the first round proper of the competition.

Midfielder Noah Keats opened the scoring on the half hour mark before goalkeeper Tom McHale made an important penalty save to deny Hampton and Richmond an equaliser.

With three minutes remaining Keats completed his brace with a low strike from distance to ensure that the White Tigers would be history makers.

Potential opponents for Truro now range from Devon neighbours Plymouth Argyle - the former club of manager Lee Hodges - or Exeter City - who assistant manager Chris Todd played for between 2003 and 2007, or even the 1995 Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers and 2008 FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

However, they won't be joined by Torquay United as the Gulls were beaten 1-0 by fellow National League side Aldershot Town courtesy of a 79th minute effort from former United loanee Scott Rendell.