TALKING POINTS

Steve Harris – @steveharris84

Steve discusses the game at Plainmoor

DISALLOWED GOAL

A minute before half time, Paignton-born Connor Riley-Lowe appeared to have given Truro the lead, which, had it stood, could have changed the course of the game. However, United keeper James Hamon protested to the linesman that he had been obstructed and it was promptly disallowed. The circumstances were similar to the goal that Sam Dreyer scored against Chelmsford City, which he then saw chalked off following protests from a number of Chelmsford players. Nevertheless, if decisions that go against you over the course of the season even themselves out eventually, the Gulls got a slice of luck that they were possibly due.

KEY MOMENT – DISALLOWED GOAL – YOUTUBE CLIP

HAYFIELD WINNER

In the end it was a closely fought contest decided by one piece of quality, namely Dan Hayfield’s 53rd minute free kick, which was awarded after United substitute Will Jenkins Davies was upended by Will Dean. Over the years, the Gulls have had a number of fine free kick takers in their squad, including Brian Healy, Mick O’Brien, Alex Russell, Luke Young and Armani Little, and each of them would have been proud of Hayfield’s effort. It was also Hayfield’s third goal of the season, which makes him the Gulls’ second top scorer behind Cody Cooke who currently has six.

KEY MOMENT – HAYFIELD GOAL – YOUTUBE CLIP

WARNOCK IN THE DUG OUT

As Paul Wotton was serving a touchline ban, United’s football advisor Neil Warnock made a return to the dugout to assist United’s number two Mike Edwards. It was 31 years since he last took his seat in the Plainmoor, on the final day of the 1992-93 season when the Gulls beat Gillingham 2-1 – a week after they had retained their Third Division status with a 1-0 away win at Carlisle United. It was the first time he has been involved in an FA Trophy tie since he was manager of Scarborough in the 1986-87 campaign.

A GOOD AFTERNOON FOR THOMAS & DYER

After joining the Gulls on loan from Yeovil Town, Jordan Thomas marked his debut for United with an assured display. There were shades of former Gulls right-back Ben Wynter in his performance, as he got forward well and looked strong defensively. Meanwhile with Sam Dreyer rested, Jordan Dyer switched to the centre of the back three for the Gulls with Ed Palmer coming into the side on the right hand side of defence. Dyer produced a commanding display, even when him and Palmer formed a centre back pairing, they won numerous headers and made plenty of blocks to keep the Tinners at bay.

MIDFIELD STEPPING UP

The Gulls’ midfield also played an important in helping them to reach the next round of the FA Trophy. Skipper Oscar Threlkeld returned to the starting line-up and he led by example as he proved to be an unsung hero for the Gulls. He excelled at breaking up play and going the ugly side of his job, which can often go under the radar. The introduction of Will Jenkins-Davies at half time also helped to bring more energy to the Gulls midfield, and it was the challenge on him by Truro’s Will Dean that resulted in the awarding of the free-kick from which Dan Hayfield scored.