The 2006-07 is considered Truro City’s most successful in the club’s 135-year history.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing as the Tinners changed their manager part way through the campaign.
A dispute over long-term commitment saw Dave Newton sensationally depart the Treyew Road hot seat just before Christmas, with City top of the Western league Division One pile, and progressing well in the FA Vase.
His replacement was immediately identified by then director of football Chris Webb and shortly after, City had their man.
Dave Leonard, the former Tiverton Town midfielder and a well-respected figure in South West footballing circles, was in charge of City’s divisional rivals Liskeard Athletic, but he was soon on his way up the A390 to ensure Truro’s promising campaign didn’t fizzle out.
One of Leonard’s first games in charge saw City on the road to Lymington Town in the third round of the Vase. A tricky tie on paper proved to be just that until Stewart Yetton converted from the spot 18 minutes from time.
And on Truro marched with wins over Newcastle Benfield, Slimbridge and Whitehawk, with Yetton continuing his record of scoring in all but one round.
The semi-final paired City with Curzon Ashton and despite losing 1-0 in the first leg away from home, Truro prevailed 3-1 at Treyew Road to send the club to Wembley where they would face AFC Totton.
Leonard’s side fell behind against the Stags, but Kevin Wills scored on the stroke of half-time and he netted again at the opposite end in the second stanza.
Joe Broad then ensured the Vase would reside in the Cornwall for the first time in the competition’s history.
“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Leonard said as the champagne corks popped at Wembley. “It’s fantastic, just look at it. What an emotional day. As humans we wear our emotions on our sleeve and this is fantastic for Truro City and Cornwall.
“You look around here, there’s 15,000 to 20,000 Truro supporters who have come to Wembley and we have put on a show for them. This is a match they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
