Truro City secured a dramatic late victory at the Truro Sports Hub, snatching all three points from FC Halifax Town with a 2-1 win in a pulsating English National League encounter. The late drama unfolded after a tense affair that saw the visitors take the lead before City fought back with two goals in quick succession.
The match began with a cautious approach from both sides, neither willing to commit too many players forward in the opening exchanges. Truro City, playing at home, looked to establish a rhythm, but FC Halifax Town’s defensive organisation proved difficult to break down. The visitors were disciplined and compact, limiting Truro’s clear-cut opportunities.
The first real moment of concern for either side came in the 18th minute when Truro City were forced into an early substitution. Dan Rooney was withdrawn, replaced by Yassine En-Neyah in a tactical switch aimed at injecting more creativity into midfield. The change did little to immediately alter the pattern of play, however, with both teams struggling to impose themselves on the game.
As the first half wore on, FC Halifax Town began to grow into the contest. Their midfield pressed effectively, disrupting Truro’s build-up play and forcing turnovers. Lirak Hasani of Truro City received a yellow card in the 41st minute for a foul, a sign of the increasing physicality of the encounter. The half concluded goalless, a reflection of the tight and tactical battle that had unfolded.
The second half started with renewed intent from Truro City. They emerged with a purpose, aiming to take control of the midfield and create openings. In the 51st minute, another tactical adjustment was made by the home side, with Aiden Marsh making way for Dominic Johnson-Fisher as Truro pushed for an attacking advantage.
However, it was FC Halifax Town who broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. William Harris found the back of the net, giving the visitors a crucial 1-0 lead. The goal appeared to jolt Truro City, who had enjoyed a period of dominance without reward. The setback spurred them into a desperate search for an equaliser.
The introduction of Rekeil Pyke in the 70th minute, replacing Lirak Hasani, was part of a triple substitution by Truro City as they threw caution to the wind. Zac Bell also entered the fray for Max Kinsey, as the home side desperately sought to salvage something from the game. The tactical reshuffling paid dividends.
In the 82nd minute, Truro City found their breakthrough. Shaun Donnellan netted the equaliser, bringing the scores level at 1-1. The goal, assisted by Luke Jephcott, ignited the Truro Sports Hub and gave the home faithful renewed hope. The momentum had firmly shifted.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Truro City pushed for a winner in the dying moments. Their persistence was rewarded in the 94th minute when Luke Jephcott scored a sensational late winner, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for the home side. The dramatic turnaround completed a remarkable comeback and sent the Truro supporters into raptures. FC Halifax Town were left to rue what might have been, having been so close to securing a valuable point away from home. Shaun Hobson of Halifax Town received a late yellow card in the 96th minute for a foul.
This victory provides a significant boost for Truro City, who were languishing near the bottom of the English National League table, having secured 11 points from their 15 matches prior to this fixture, placing them 22nd. The win lifts their spirits and potentially their league position. FC Halifax Town, meanwhile, remain in a strong mid-table position, having accumulated 24 points from 15 games, sitting in 9th place before this encounter, and will be disappointed to have let a lead slip in such a crucial period of the game.
