In what was Leigh Cooper’s final season in charge of Truro City Football Club, City completed the double of the South Western League and Cornwall Senior Cup, firstly by beating Porthleven in a replay 3-2 in the Senior Cup final and then beating the same team in time added on to win the league from arch-rivals Falmouth Town, when in actual fact City had no right winning it as they were 13 points behind Town, but won their last 7 games to do so.
A double for the road…
South Western League
1 – Liskeard Athletic (A) W 2-0 (Thwaites, Bleasdale) Sat 23 Aug
Mark Gammon sent off
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Steve Wherry, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Chris Tomlinson, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson
2 – St Austell (H) W 6-0 (Thwaites 17, ??, Stevens 43, Wherry 46, Andrew 83, 86) Sat 30 Aug
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, John Burrows, Andrew Tinsley
3 – Millbrook (A) W 1-0 (Tomlinson 23 pen) Tue 2 Sep
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Steve Rowson, John Burrows, Andrew Tinsley
Truro City who lost last season’s title on goal difference, maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 1-0 win at previously unbeaten Millbrook on Tuesday evening. It was City’s third straight win and they have yet to concede a goal. In a scrappy match the all-important goal for Truro came from Chris Tomlinson who ended City’s penalty jinx with a confidently struck 23rd minute spot-kick. On Saturday, City had crushed visiting St Austell 6-0 with Nigel Thwaites and substitute Justin Andrew both scoring twice. City’s other goals came from Steve Wherry and Damian Stevens.
4 – Tavistock (H) W 2-0 (Thwaites, Bleasdale) 13 Sep
Team – Bobby Wignall (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, John Burrows
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
P-4 W-4 D-0 L-0 F-11 A-0 PTS-12 POS-2nd
5 – Torpoint Athletic (A) W 3-0 (Thwaites, Stevens, Gammon) 27 Sep
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson, Andrew Tinsley
6 – St Blazey (H) W 1-0 (Tomlinson) 4 Oct
Team – Ian Baker, Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, John Burrows, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson
7 – Wadebridge Town (A) L 1-2 (Thwaites) 11 Oct
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, John Burrows, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Damian Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Leigh Cooper
8 – Saltash United (A) D 2-2 (Tomlinson 55, Thwaites 82) 25 Oct
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Damian Stevens, Steve Rowson
9 – Holsworthy (H) W 4-0 (Wherry, Gammon, Andrew, Burrows) 1 Nov
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Steve Rowson, John Burrows, Damian Stevens
Truro City took advantage of Falmouth and Porthleven’s FA Vase exploits to extend their lead to four points at the top of the Jewson South Western League. They thrashed Holsworthy 4-0 at Treyew Road after racing to a 3-0 half-time lead. Goals came from Steve Wherry, Mark Gammon and Justin Andrew, and in the second period substitute John Burrows completed the scoring. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-9 W-7 D-1 L-1 F-22 A-4 PTS-22 POS-1st
10 – St Austell (A) D 1-1 (Gammon 24) Sun 9 Nov
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – Damian Stevens, Steve Rowson, John Burrows
Truro’s need for a reliable goal scorer was again embarrassingly apparent as as they saw their Jewson South Western League title hopes suffer another unexpected setback at Poltair. City had enough chances to have won the game several times over, but failed to take them and two valuable points were surrendered against a limited home team who Truro beat 6-0 at the start of the season. The failure to take chances and kill inferior teams off cost City last season’s championship and unless Truro find their goalscoring boots soon it will again be another season of disappointment. Sunday’s draw means they have taken two points out of the last nine and although they still head the table, champions Falmouth Town are just behind with two games in hand. Truro started the match confidently with Robert Troon heading over, but were then caught after just six minutes when Jerry Solomon’s through ball gave Martin Bidgood the chance to finish from the edge of the area with Truro appealing in vain for offside. City piled forward only to miss a hatful of chances when it seemed easier to score. When they did draw level after 24 minutes it was courtesy of home keeper Neil Hunkin who could only help a Mark Gammon corner into his own net. Nigel Thwaites, Justin Andrew and Steve Wherry were all profligate in front of goal. Even when St Austell were forced to play for all but five minutes of the second half with substitute Duncan Powell in goal, when Hunkin was injured, they still could not find the target. Their performance became more ragged, lacking in ideas on how to breach a no more than workmanlike home side’s defence. Thwaites blasted a great chance wide when he should surely have scored. Manager Leigh Cooper brought on Damian Stevens, Steve Rowson and John Burrows, but it made little difference. It could have been worse when Andy Parr’s free-kick with six minutes left clipped the outside of the post. Rhod Mitchell, Truro & Mid Cornwall Briton
11 – Newquay (H) W 4-0 (Tomlinson, Troon, Gammon, Burrows) 2 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, Damian Stevens
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Rowson
12 – Porthleven (A) W 3-1 (Thwaites, Waddell, Burrows) 6 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, John Burrows
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew
P-12 W-9 D-2 L-1 F-30 A-6 PTS-29 POS-1st
13 – Liskeard Athletic (H) W 3-0 (Waddell x3) 13 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Justin Andrew, Darren Tallon
14 – Launceston (H) W 4-0 (Waddell x2, Wherry, Burrows) 16 Dec
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, John Burrows
Subs Used – Dominic Pullen, Patrick Danes
P-14 W-11 D-2 L-1 F-37 A-6 PTS-35 POS-1st
15 – Torpoint Athletic (H) W 4-1 (Wherry 19, Waddell 50, 64, 71) 17 Jan
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Damian Stevens, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Steve Wherry, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Mark Gammon, Graeme Kirkup
P-15 W-12 D-2 L-1 F-41 A-7 PTS-38 POS-1st
16 – Newquay (A) W 7-1 (Wheatman OG, Evans OG, Wherry x3, Thwaites, Waddell) 24 Jan
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Damian Stevens, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Steve Wherry, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Graeme Kirkup, Justin Andrew
P-16 W-13 D-2 L-1 F-48 A-8 PTS-41 POS-1st
17 – Bodmin Town (A) L 1-2 (Burrows 13) 7 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Justin Andrew
P-17 W-13 D-2 L-2 F-49 A-10 PTS-41 POS-1st
18 – Holsworthy (A) W 3-1 (Burrows, Waddell pen, Tallon) Tue 24 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Danny McTighe, Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry
Truro City extended their lead at the top of the Jewson South Western League table to four points with a splendid 3-1 win at Holsworthy on Tuesday evening. Despite dominating the first half it was not until the second period that they at last made the breakthrough. New signing Danny McTighe, who had come on for the injured Damian Stevens, crossed for Andy Waddell who set up skipper John Burrows to score. Waddell was then brought down for a penalty, which he himself converted, before Holsworthy pulled a goal back through Ian Rowe. However, central defender Darren Tallon made the points safe with a headed goal from Adrian Bleasdale’s free-kick. It was a display that delighted City boss Leigh Cooper. He said: “I was very pleased with our performance, it was a very professional display.” West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
P-18 W-14 D-2 L-2 F-52 A-11 PTS-44 POS-1st
19 – Millbrook (H) L 0-2 28 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Danny McTighe, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Leigh Cooper
P-19 W-14 D-2 L-3 F-52 A-13 PTS-44 POS-1st
20 – Launceston (A) W 3-0 (Wherry x2, Burrows) 14 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Graeme Kirkup, Danny McTighe, Justin Andrew
21 – St Blazey (A) W 1-0 (Redding) 18 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Steve Wherry, Nigel Thwaites, Graeme Kirkup
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
P-21 W 16 D-2 L-3 F-56 A-13 PTS-50 POS-1st
22 – Falmouth Town (A) D 0-0 24 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Rob Troon, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Danny McTighe, Jeff Babb
P-22 W-16 D-3 L-3 F-56 A-13 PTS-51 POS-2nd
23 – Bodmin Town (H) L 0-1 7 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Rob Troon, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – None
24 – Falmouth Town (H) W 3-0 (Babb x2, Wherry) 18 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Darren Tallon, Danny McTighe, Justin Andrew
P-24 W-17 D-3 L-4 F-59 A-14 PTS-54 POS-2nd
Table (top 3)
1 – Falmouth Town – P-26 W-20 D-4 L-2 F-68 A-28 PTS-64
2 – Truro City – P-24 W-17 D-3 L-4 F-59 A-14 PTS-54
3 – Porthleven – P-23 W-16 D-4 L-3 F-78 A-22 PTS-52
25 – Saltash United (H) W 2-0 (Thwaites, Troon) 26 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
26 – Penzance (H) W 2-0 (Babb x2) 28 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Darren Tallon, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Danny McTighe, Chris Webb
Subs Used – None
27 – Tavistock (A) W 6-0 (Tomlinson x2, Babb x2, Stevens, Andrew) 30 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Nigel Thwaites, Danny McTighe
Subs Used – Darren Tallon, Dominic Pullen, Leigh Cooper
28 – Wadebridge Town (H) W 2-0 (Bleasdale 4, Wherry 77) 9 May
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Nigel Thwaites
29 – Penzance (A) W 3-0 (Babb 4, 7, 65) 11 May
Team – James Dungey (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Steve Wherry, Jeff Babb, Nigel Thwaites, John Burrows
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Danny McTighe, Leigh Cooper
30 – Porthleven (H) W 2-1 (Babb 49, Tomlinson 90 + 3) 14 May
Team – James Dungey (GK), Rob Troon, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Damien Stevens, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale, Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry
Subs Used – John Burrows, Justin Andrew, Mark Gammon
Position – CHAMPIONS!!!
What goes around comes around. Just a year ago a bizarre own goal deprived Truro of the Jewson South-Western League title, instead handing the championship to arch-rivals Falmouth Town on goal difference. But at Treyew Road the wheel turned full circle when another strange goal gave City the title by one point at the expense of Falmouth. City needed to beat Porthleven to be sure of the title after hearing that Falmouth had won 3-1 at Liskeard on the same evening, in a game which kicked off 30 minutes before Truro’s match. But with the game into the third minute of injury time and the score deadlocked at 1-1 it looked as if Truro would suffer heartbreak for the second successive season. Jewson SWL chairman Tristan Scott had already gone to his car to bring in the runners-up trophy but then had to do a quick about-turn as Truro regained the lead. They won a free-kick on the left and City must have known it was their last chance of glory. Darren Redding swung the ball in and as Porthleven failed to clear the danger, the ball came to Chris Tomlinson, for whom bookings are much more common than goals. His attempted shot looped off a Porthleven defender and almost seemingly in slow motion curved into the back of the Porthleven net past stranded keeper Danny Carveth. It sparked scenes of wild celebrations among a big crowd, though Truro still had to survive another three minutes of stoppage time before referee Peter Foxwell’s final whistle saw the title return to Truro for the second time in three years. Emotional scenes followed as Truro fans came on to the pitch to congratulate the team who just a few weeks ago trailed Falmouth by a massive 13 points. City had finished their league season with seven straight wins conceding just one goal in the process to pip Falmouth, who must have thought they had the title wrapped up. It was an especially emotional occasion for City manager Leigh Cooper who was taking charge of the side for the final time after announcing his decision to leave the club after four seasons in charge. During that time he has guided them to two league titles and two Cornwall Senior Cup successes as well as twice being runners-up in the League Cup. And after the game he was full of praise for his side’s achievements. “It means everything. The lads have been absolutely fantastic. What a way to go out.” And match winner Chris Tomlinson, in his first season at the club, was equally thrilled, despite finishing the match with a broken nose. “What a way to finish. I was a bit fortunate really. I got the ball on the bounce and it deflected over the keeper. It was tremendous.” Certainly a Hollywood scriptwriter could not have written a better ending to a dramatic night of ups and downs for City. Cheered on by by far the biggest crowd of the season they started brightly enough with Nigel Thwaites heading wastefully over from Redding’s second minute corner. Carveth, who normally plays for St Agnes, but who was standing in for the injured Gary Penhaligon, did well to hold a Tomlinson free-kick, but as the half wore on Porthleven began to look more threatening. They had gone into the match knowing they had to win to have any chance of finishing top and then only if Falmouth slipped up at Liskeard. Dave Larsen should have done better with a header from Charlie Legg’s cross and as the game became increasingly edgy Truro desperately needed a goal, and four minutes into the second half they got it. Redding’s corner from the left was met at the near post by Jeff Babb and his header crossed the line before Porthleven could hook the ball clear. Steve Wherry could have sealed it seven minutes later, but failed to convert a cross from Thwaites. Babb then hit the post with a snap shot as City battled to get the crucial second goal. Porthleven brought on former Sheffield Wednesday forward Gary Bannister for Bruce Jane and Porthleven began to enjoy their best spell of the match as Truro started to defend too deeply. And with just 18 minutes to go Porthleven’s best player Darren Wills, levelled the scores when he was given too much time at the edge of the area to fire an unstoppable drive past James Dungey with the ball going in off the underside of the bar. It was a sickener for Truro who could see their title dreams ebbing away and it could have been even worse if Dungey had not saved well from George Torrance’s free-kick. It was hard to see where a Truro goal was coming from despite the last gasp introduction of Mark Gammon and Justin Andrew. But just when the game looked up for City the footballing gods decided they had suffered enough and the championship pennant will deservedly fly over Treyew Road next season. Once again their defence was outstanding and in 30 league games they have conceded just 15 goals, only five at home. They gave the league’s most dangerous pairing of Charlie Legg and Martin Gritton little opportunity to show their skills and a limping Gritton was replaced before the end. But overall it has been a tremendous team performance throughout the season which has seen them lose just four league games, strangely one more than Falmouth. Now whoever takes over from Cooper has a hard act to follow. The strong favourite is current assistant and player Graeme Kirkup. An announcement is expected shortly. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser
League Table
1 – TRURO CITY – 30 – 23 – 03 – 04 – 76 – 15 – 72 (C)
2 – Falmouth Town – 30 – 22 – 05 – 03 – 76 – 33 – 71
3 – Porthleven – 30 – 20 – 06 – 04 – 88 – 24 – 66
4 – St Blazey – 30 – 16 – 03 – 11 – 60 – 39 – 51
5 – Torpoint Athletic – 30 – 15 – 04 – 11 – 71 – 56 – 49
6 – Millbrook – 30 – 14 – 07 – 09 – 52 – 42 – 49
7 – Bodmin Town – 30 – 15 – 04 – 11 – 51 – 48 – 49
8 – Penzance – 30 – 13 – 08 – 09 – 54 – 46 – 47
9 – Saltash United – 30 – 14 – 03 – 13 – 63 – 60 – 45
10 – Holsworthy – 30 – 13 – 05 – 12 – 61 – 67 – 44
11 – Wadebridge Town – 30 – 11 – 02 – 17 – 40 – 53 – 35
12 – Liskeard Athletic – 30 – 07 – 06 – 17 – 45 – 64 – 27
13 – Newquay – 30 – 08 – 03 – 19 – 37 – 73 – 27
14 – St Austell – 30 – 05 – 08 – 17 – 33 – 82 – 23
15 – Tavistock – 30 – 03 – 06 – 21 – 38 – 87 – 15
16 – Launceston – 30 – 03 – 03 – 24 – 27 – 83 – 12
1997/1998 SWL Squad – Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Ian Baker (GK), Adrian Bleasdale, John Burrows, Leigh Cooper, Patrick Danes, James Dungey (GK), Mark Gammon, Graeme Kirkup, Danny McTigue, Nigel Pugh, Dominic Pullen, Darren Redding, Steve Rowson, Damian Stevens, Darren Tallon, Nigel Thwaites, Andrew Tinsley, Chris Tomlinson, Rob Troon, Andy Waddell, Chris Webb, Steve Wherry, Bobby Wignall (GK)
South Western League Appearances & Goals
Justin Andrew – 29 apps (8 starts – 21 subs) – 4 goals
Jeff Babb – 9 apps (8 starts – 1 sub) – 10 goals
Ian Baker (GK) – 27 apps (27 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (17 clean sheets)
Adrian Bleasdale – 24 apps (24 starts – 0 subs) – 3 goals
John Burrows – 23 apps (18 starts – 5 subs) – 7 goals
Leigh Cooper – 4 apps (0 starts – 4 subs) – 0 goals
Patrick Danes – 1 app (0 starts – 1 sub) – 0 goals
James Dungey (GK) – 2 apps (2 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (1 clean sheet)
Mark Gammon – 15 apps (13 starts – 2 subs) – 4 goals
Graeme Kirkup – 26 apps (23 starts – 3 subs) – 0 goals
Danny McTighe – 8 apps (3 starts – 5 subs) – 0 goals
Nigel Pugh – 29 apps (29 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Dominic Pullen – 2 apps (0 starts – 2 subs) – 0 goals
Darren Redding – 30 apps (30 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Steve Rowson – 8 apps (0 starts – 8 subs) – 0 goals
Damian Stevens – 28 apps (24 starts – 4 subs) – 3 goals
Darren Tallon – 13 apps (10 starts – 3 subs) – 1 goal
Nigel Thwaites – 23 apps (22 starts – 1 sub) – 10 goals
Andrew Tinsley – 3 apps (0 starts – 3 subs) – 0 goals
Chris Tomlinson – 27 apps (27 starts – 0 subs) – 7 goals
Rob Troon – 29 apps (29 starts – 0 subs) – 2 goals
Andy Waddell – 10 apps (10 starts – 0 subs) – 11 goals
Chris Webb – 1 app (1 start – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Steve Wherry – 26 apps (21 starts – 5 subs) – 11 goals
Bobby Wignall (GK) – 1 app (1 start – 0 subs) – 0 goals (1 clean sheet)
Cornwall Senior Cup
2nd Round – St Dennis (H) W 2-0 (Waddell x2) 15 Nov
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Darren Tallon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, Adrian Bleasdale, Andy Waddell, John Burrows, Damian Stevens
Subs Used – Justin Andrew, Steve Wherry
3rd Round – Saltash United (H) W 4-1 (Burrows, Waddell x3) 10 Jan
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Damian Stevens, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Mark Gammon, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry, Adrian Bleasdale
Quarter-Final – Callington Town (A) W 1-0 (Waddell 65) 14 Feb
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
A typical opportunist goal from Andy Waddell took Truro into the semi-finals of the Cornwall Senior Cup. His 65th minute effort finally ended East Cornwall League Callington’s brave resistance, which had frustrated Truro even though they had virtually all of the play. There seemed little danger when defender Graeme Kirkup came through from the back, but his ball into the Callington area produced fatal hesitation and Waddell pounced to score from close range to at last beat Callington’s outstanding keeper Andy Brenton. Waddell has now scored six of City’s seven goals in the cup this season and Truro were again grateful for his marksmanship in what was always going to be a difficult tie. Callington were content to put 10 men behind the ball and defy Truro to try to find a way through, and for long periods of the tie at The Marsh it worked. Cheered on by a big crowd in the February sunshine, Callington defended superbly with Brenton a tower of strength and there never looked any likelihood of a repeat of last season’s 7-2 win for Truro. In the opening half City struggled to create openings and were too often let down by crossing the ball much too close to Brenton, whose handling was exemplary. Such was Truro’s lack of creativity that it was not until five minutes before the break that Brenton was called upon to make his first real save from Waddell’s well-struck shot. After the break Truro did begin to show more urgency and Brenton produced a fine save to tip over a Chris Tomlinson free-kick. Brenton again had to be at his best to push away a goalbound Waddell effort as City strove desperately for the breakthrough. After Waddell finally did score Callington tried to come back, but never tested City keeper Ian Baker, who had a relatively quiet afternoon. Truro were content to ease through into next month’s semi-finals of a competition they have won 13 times before. West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser
Semi-Final – Bodmin Town (N) W 3-1 (Tallon, Stevens, Redding) 7 Mar
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Darren Tallon, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, John Burrows, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Jeff Babb, Steve Wherry
Final – Porthleven (N) D 2-2 (Waddell, Wherry) 13 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Justin Andrew, Andy Waddell, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Subs Used – Steve Wherry, Jeff Babb
Replay – Porthleven (N) W 3-2 (Wherry 10, Babb 53, Andrew 90) 16 Apr
Team – Ian Baker (GK), Chris Tomlinson, Darren Redding, Graeme Kirkup, Rob Troon, Nigel Pugh, Damian Stevens, Steve Wherry, Jeff Babb, Nigel Thwaites, Adrian Bleasdale
Sub Used – Justin Andrew
The replay at a rainsoaked Bickland Park looked to be heading for extra time with the score deadlocked at 2-2 and only seconds remaining when Justin Andrew forced the ball over the line after an incredible scramble in the Porthleven six-yard box. It was too late for Porthleven to come back. Porthleven had twice led with an Adrian Bleasdale own goal and Charlie Legg from a corner. In between Steve Wherry had levelled after 10 minutes. City got back on level terms when Jeff Babb headed in a corner eight minutes into the second half to set up an exciting and nerve racking finale.
1997/1998 Cornwall Senior Cup Squad – Justin Andrew, Jeff Babb, Ian Baker (GK), Adrian Bleasdale, John Burrows, Mark Gammon, Graeme Kirkup, Nigel Pugh, Darren Redding, Damian Stevens, Darren Tallon, Nigel Thwaites, Chris Tomlinson, Rob Troon, Andy Waddell, Steve Wherry
Cornwall Senior Cup Appearances & Goals
Justin Andrew – 3 apps (1 start – 2 subs) – 1 goal
Jeff Babb – 3 apps (1 start – 2 subs) – 1 goal
Ian Baker (GK) – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals (2 clean sheets)
Adrian Bleasdale – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
John Burrows – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Mark Gammon – 2 apps (2 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Graeme Kirkup – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Nigel Pugh – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Darren Redding – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Damian Stevens – 6 apps (6 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Darren Tallon – 3 apps (3 starts – 0 subs) – 1 goal
Nigel Thwaites – 4 apps (4 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Chris Tomlinson – 5 apps (5 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Rob Troon – 5 apps (5 starts – 0 subs) – 0 goals
Andy Waddell – 5 apps (5 starts – 0 subs) – 7 goals
Steve Wherry – 5 apps (2 starts – 3 subs) – 2 goals
❤️🖤
Damian Stevens
Truro City’s double winning centre midfielder/striker
Matt Hall “So 1997-1998, why does that season have a special place in your heart?”
Damian Stevens “It was the pure drama of winning the double, firstly beating Porthleven 3-2 in the Senior Cup replay after a 2-2 draw, they were a very good side with Charlie Legg, Martin Gritton, Gary Bannister, etc, then beating the same team 2-1 in the last game of the season in the 95th minute with a speculative shot from Chris Tomlinson, taking a wicked deflection and wrong footing the keeper! The same night Falmouth Town beat Liskeard 3-1 at Liskeard and kicked off 7pm as opposed to our 7:45pm kick off (I think it was something to do with floodlights), so we all knew they’d won and a draw would’ve given Falmouth Town the title! We threw everything and everybody forward and scored a fluke to win the league! You couldn’t write it!”
❤️🖤
TCFC 1889 