Truro City’s latest Enterprise National League clash ended in defeat to a dominant Scunthorpe United side at Glanford Park, writes Tom Howe.

Tyler Harvey forced an early save from Rory Watson after meeting a Connor Riley-Lowe cross, while Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain twice went close as City looked to capitalise on their early momentum. However, it was the hosts who struck first, with Joey Dawson pouncing on a defensive error to open the scoring.

Declan Howe doubled Scunthorpe’s lead early in the second half, prior to Alfie Beestin’s deflected effort and a late strike from substitute Danny Whitehall put the result beyond any doubt. 

Aidan Stone produced several fine saves to prevent Andy Butler’s side from adding further goals to their tally with City’s attacking changes, including the return of Jake Taylor from injury, unable to turn the tide. 

Riley-Lowe, who provided the assist for Luke Jephcott’s deciding goal in Tuesday’s 1-0 National League Cup win at home to Fulham under-21s, was one of five Tinners that night to keep their place in John Askey’s starting eleven.

Dan Rooney, Lirak Hasani, Ben Starkie and Shaun Donnellan each rejoined him from the off, while Taylor was deemed fit enough for a place on the bench, having missed four matches with a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-0 triumph over Boston United at the TCS on August 30.

Bright starts have become a hallmark of the Tinners this season, and they were quickest out of the blocks again in North Lincolnshire. Harvey forced an early save from Watson after meeting a cross from Riley-Lowe who, at the other end, needed to be alert to snuff out the danger before Oli Ewing could capitalise.

Howe showed intent for the hosts, surging forward and firing just over the bar, with Oxlade-Chamberlain twice threatening for City, his first effort blocked and the second drifting wide.

The Iron responded with two quickfire chances of their own, Joe Starbuck’s header comfortably gathered by Stone, while Howe’s shot was deflected wide. The warning signs were there and City didn’t heed them as, soon after, Dawson pounced on a defensive error to put the hosts ahead.

Stone was called into action to gather a free-kick delivered by Callum Roberts before City were able to settle again. Ben Starkie earned a first corner of the afternoon and the resulting set piece was straight from the training ground. Harry Kite – one of two Tinners to be booked in the opening half, alongside Donnellan – delivered a low ball that sat up nicely for Riley-Lowe, who fired just over the bar. 

Kite didn’t return for the second stanza, with Yassine En-Neyah coming on in his place. Zac Bell followed soon after, replacing Oxlade-Chamberlain just seven minutes into the half. The changes didn’t have the desired effect, however, as the Iron struck again with Howe firing past Stone to double the hosts’ advantage. 

A positive City looked for a response, with Donnellan seeing the ball snatched away at a crucial moment, before Starkie picked out Harvey, whose header was safely gathered by Watson. The pressure continued, and another Riley-Lowe free-kick found Sam Sanders at the back post. His slip inadvertently allowed the ball to fall kindly for Harvey, but once again Watson was quick off his line to deny the marksman. 

Dom Johnson-Fisher was introduced for Donnellan as City continued their search for a way back into the tie but their hopes were dashed when a cruel deflection saw Beestin add a third for the Iron. Stone was soon called into action again, producing a fine save to keep out a fierce strike from Roberts that looked destined for the bottom corner. 

Askey responded with a double change, thrusting Jephcott and Taylor into the fray with Harvey and Hasani. making way The substitutions could do little to change the outcome however, as the Iron soon added a fourth. Tyrell Sellars-Fleming rattled the crossbar and, although Stone did well to save Whitehall’s initial follow-up, the substitute reacted quickest to fire home, sending the Tinners and their 61 travelling supporters home empty-handed.

There’s another quick turnaround ahead of Tuesday evening’s visit to Brackley Town (7.45 pm), before the visit of Morecambe next Saturday (3.00 pm) kicks off a double-header at the TCS, with the visit of Eastleigh following shortly after. 

Match Facts 

City: Stone, Dean, Riley-Lowe (capt), Sanders, Harvey (Jephcott, 78), Rooney, Hasani (Taylor, 78), Starkie, Donnellan (Johnson-Fisher, 66), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Bell, 52), Kite (En-Neyah, 45). Subs Not Used: Lavercombe, Law

Scunthorpe: Watson, Scales, Starbuck, Rowley, Howe (Chadwick, 68), Ewing (Sellars-Fleming, 45), Beestin, Denton, Evans, Roberts (capt) (Ubaezuonu, 78), Dawson (Whitehall, 68) (Beck, 87). Subs Not Used: Gjoshe, Johnson

Referee: Neil Hair

Attendance: 4,295 (61 away)