- Hall (21', 28')
Truro City Stadium plays host to its first ever Emirates FA Cup match today as the Tinners welcome National League North outfit Brackley Town to the Duchy – 3.00pm.
City will be bidding to pass the second qualifying round stage for only the second time in six seasons. The side have fallen at their first hurdle in each of the past two FA Cup campaigns, with the side’s last win in domestic football’s greatest knockout competition coming back in September 2021, when Exmouth Town were defeated 3-1.
City were eliminated by Hungerford Town in the second qualifying round in 21-22 and in subsequent seasons, defeats against Merthyr and Weston-super-Mare ended Truro’s cup involvement before it had chance to properly start.
John Askey’s side currently occupy eighth place in National League South and last time out, were the victims of an Eastbourne Borough smash and grab.
Truro dominated proceedings at the TCS and after having a first half strike from Dom Johnson-Fisher ruled out for a foul, hit the woodwork three times in the second stanza.
Eastbourne, with their only shot of note on target, broke the deadlock through Alfie Pavey on 56 minutes and that goal was enough for Sports to claim a 1-0 win.
In Opposition
Brackley Town have gained the unwanted tag of National League North’s nearly men after reaching the play-offs for six consecutive seasons, without winning promotion to Step One.
In 2017-18, Brackley were defeated 3-0 by Bradford Park Avenue in the final while a year later, the side lost at the semi-final stage to Spennymoor on penalties.
Although the 19-20 campaign was cut short due the covid-19 pandemic and final league tables were decided on a points per game basis, Brackley finished fourth and with the play-offs taking place, it was a quarter-final exit this time at the hands of Gateshead.
With the 2020-21 season declared null and void, it was groundhog day once again for the Saints in 21-22 as York City, managed by current City boss John Askey, defeated Brackley 1-0 in the last four.
Askey would lead the Minstermen to Step One after a 2-0 win in the play-off final over Boston United.
Two years ago, the semi-finals were once again Brackley’s exit point after a 2-0 home reverse at the hands of Kidderminster Harriers.
And last term, the side were just 90 minutes from dining at non-league football’s top table, but Brackley were stunned on home soil by Boston as the Pilgrims were 2-1 winners.
Last Time We Met
There have only been four competitive meeting between Truro City and Brackley, with this the first for 13 years.
When City won promotion to the Southern League Premier Division in 2009, the Saints were also in the same division and the two teams shared a seven-goal thriller at St James Park in February 2010, with the hosts prevailing 4-3.
On the final day of the season, the teams met at Treyew Road as City were marooned in mid table with their run of successive promotions coming to an end.
Brackley were assured of a place in the play-offs and after Andy Watkins gave Truro the lead, Josh Green’s equaliser ensured the spoils were shared.
Truro finished 11th in the table while in the play-offs, Brackley were hammered 6-0 by Nuneaton Town.
The following campaign, 2010-11, saw normal service resumed for City as they claimed a fourth promotion in five years, gaining elevation to Step Two and what was then known as Conference South.
Brackley would finish a disappointing ninth but 12 months later, with a financial crisis about to envelop Truro, the Saints were also out of Step Three into Conference North, where they have remained ever since.
Back to 10-11 and City hosted Brackley in the Duchy on November 6 and a single Barry Hayles goal propelled Truro to the top of the table. Martin Watts’ free-kick was launched into the box and after Arran Pugh (pictured below) knocked the ball down, there was veteran hitman Hayles to sweep home, seven minutes into added time.
But it was the incident that led to the free-kick that resulted in the major talking point for those in attendance.
Marcus Martin battled in the air with visiting captain Carl Palmer, who led with his elbow and referee Jim McCaffrey brandished a red card. Martin was forced off and later had stitches in a nasty head wound, but not before Hayles’ late winner.
The two sides met again in March 2011 with Brackley winning another high scoring thriller.
A depleted visiting side, which forced then manager Lee Hodges to play Jake Ash as a makeshift striker, took the lead after seven minutes with Hayles bagging his 12th goal of the season.
However, the Saints battled back and headers from Tom Green and Francis Kemp put the hosts in command. Barry McConnell’s penalty drew City level but five minutes from time, substitute Michael Chennells headed his side to a 3-2 triumph.
Yetton’s Yarn
“John (Askey) knows a fair bit about Brackley because he has come up against them a fair few times. They are big, strong team who go from back to front very quickly and they have been unfortunate to not get out of the National League North.
“It won’t be an easy game because they are always around the top of National League North.
“We have a home tie, but one of the toughest sides we could have drawn. It is nice to be at home, but given the opposition, not as nice as it could have been.”
Tickets
Tickets are on advanced sale for the match until 11.00am.
After 11.00am, tickets will only be available on the gate and with a price increase of £2 across all categories.
To buy tickets and for more information click HERE
Please note that season tickets are not valid for this game. All seasin ticket holders must purchase an individual match ticket to gain entry.
Matchday Information
Ahead of today’s game at the Truro City Stadium, the club have put together this handy guide which will help with frequently asked questions.
To read our matchday guide – click HERE
Follow the Match
Our official X (formerly Twitter) handle will have all the build-up, in-game action and post-match reaction.
There is also live commentary of tomorrow’s game on BBC Radio Cornwall.
