Boss John Askey says a virtually clean bill of health for his squad was the main positive from Truro City’s final pre-season game away to Plymouth Parkway. 

The Tinners, despite creating a host of chances at Bolitho Park, went down 1-0 after Callum Hall struck the decisive goal after the break. 

In the first half, former City favourite Rocky Neal saw his penalty saved by Dan Lavercombe, while at the other end, Connor Riley-Lowe, Harry Kite and Dominic Johnson-Fisher went close for Askey’s side.

“The main thing is that they have got through pre-season and we have got through to the first game fit, and ready for it, but obviously it is disappointing not to win,” Askey said at full-time. “We should be coming here and winning the game as we created a lot of chances, but the final pass of the final finish wasn’t there. 

“If you don’t take the numerous chances you create, then you know what will happen, regardless of who you are playing against. That said, the pitches we have been playing on, with the weather, is a big leveller. They aren’t the kind of pitches you want to be playing on leading into a National League season.”

With City starting their maiden Step One campaign next Saturday on the road to Wealdstone, Askey revealed he is cautious about the chances of his side, whilst also stating that he expected an improved performance. 

“You have to be wary, because we are going up another step,” he added. “We know all of our players are good enough at National League South, now we have to see if they can jump up another level. 

“We won’t know until the first few games, but I am sure we will see a marked improvement (in performance) for the first game against Wealdstone.”

Focusing specifically on the fitness and wellbeing of his squad, the TCS chief says Zac Bell missed out through illness, while Yassine En-Neyah did not feature due to an ankle knock picked up in training. 

There were also first appearances in Truro colours for goalkeeper Aidan Stone and forward Rekeil Pyke. 

“Everybody is OK,” Askey said. “Zac was ill and Yassine picked up a knock in training, so we have to be careful with him. 

“Obviously with Aidan he is match fit, but Rekeil Pyke, we will have to be patient as he hasn’t played for a while. He showed a couple of good glimpses, but we think it will be a couple of months until we see the best of him.”