Truro City and Altrincham will meet for the first time this Saturday at the Truro City Stadium, as the Tinners prepare for a major home test, writes Ronan Tregoning.
The Robins arrive in Cornwall following a turbulent period. They are currently navigating a transition in the dug-out after the departure of long-time boss Phil Parkinson, with interim manager Neil Gibson taking charge.
However, Alty are looking to continue their turnaround in form, picking up five points in their last four games, including a morale-boosting 1-0 victory against Boston United last time out.
Meanwhile, Truro will be buoyed by the prospect of a passionate home crowd, with the attendance heading for a sell out. City’s recent unbeaten run in 90 minutes came to an end on Wednesday night in a 4-0 loss to Solihull Moors.
With both sides eager to climb up the table, Saturday is set up to be an intriguing battle.
Opposition View
A steady start to the season saw Alty win four games in the first eight. A run of five losses ensued but a steadying of the ship has occurred especially since Phil Parkinson’s departure.
Neil Gibson’s interim role comes after he recently took charge of Wealdstone, keeping them in the National League on the final day of the season after taking over in January.
The Welshman’s first game was a 0-0 draw against Braintree Town, a solid point and the Robins’ first clean sheet in the league since the start of September.
One to Watch
Despite a less than ideal start, one standout performer is Jimmy Knowles. The former Accrington Stanley forward scored the winner on his debut in a 3-2 victory against Aldershot Town. The number eleven has added eight more strikes as well as two assists, providing one goal contribution in each of Altrincham’s wins.
Knowles’ form is the best it has been since he featured in every game for Boston in their 23/24 playoff winning season. The Englishman scored nineteen goals with his final strike coming from the spot in the playoff final to complete the comeback and win promotion against Brackley Town.
Tale of the Tape
This is the first time City have faced the Robins. The return fixture between the two sides will take place at Moss Rose on March 7, 2026.
Connections
Adam Porter ties the two sides together as the former Stoke City youth teamer , joined Altrincham on loan in the 2021/22 season. The midfielder played on 10 occasions, staring eight times in National League and twice in the FA Cup.
After then joining Salford on free transfer, Porter travelled south to Truro for an initial loan spell in the 22/23 season. Making his debut in a 4-3 win vs Hayes & Yeading and scoring the third goal in the game.
The midfielder’s first start came in a 6-0 thumping of North Leigh. Tyler Harvey scored a hat trick that day, with Will Dean also on scoresheet.
The Englishman featured 15 times in total over his loan spell, scoring three times in the season that Truro were promoted via the play-offs into National League South.
Porter would join City permanently on a free transfer for the 23/24 season. Hitting the ground running by scoring two goals on his second debut against Welling United in a 5-2 victory. The midfielder would be an almost constant, playing 40 times scoring seven goals as a nomadic City outfit somehow retained their Step Tow status against the odds.
But ahead of City’s move back to the Duchy, Porter sought pastures new and he linked up with Leek Town in August of last year.
From the Dugout
City’s assistant boss Stewart Yetton was on press duties ahead of tomorrow’s game and he has been speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall’s Ross Ellis.
To listen – Click Here
Matchday Information
Want to know which turnstile to enter the stadium at? Or how much a match day programme is? Maybe it is directions you’re after, or how many parking spaces we have at the TCS.
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The game is being broadcast live by BBC Radio Cornwall, with live and uninterrupted commentary on all platforms – FM, DAB in Cornwall and around the world via BBC Sounds.
The game is also being streamed via the National League’s official broadcast partner DAZN – not UK due to the 3.00pm UEFA Article 48 Blackout.
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