DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES COST CITY

STAINES Town edged closer towards survival after a convincing 3-0 win puts them level on points with Tonbridge Angels. In contrast, the defeat saw Truro's mini-revival come to a comprehensive halt.

Lee Hodges’ side – for whom Andy Watkins had a goal contentiously ruled out after 17 minutes – lost inspirational skipper, Jake Ash, to a groin injury on 28 minutes, and, as City have found to their cost this season, the loss of Ash had a detrimental effect on the back-line.

Striker Tyrone Marsh – whose pace was a constant threat throughout – latched onto David Wheeler’s cross to put the Swans in front ten minutes before half time, and despite a late first half flurry from City, the away side always looked the more likely to score, and 90 seconds into the second half, Doug Bergvist bundled the ball in after Paul Hider had parried Wheeler’s initial shot, while Sam Page’s free header on 63 minutes emphasised City’s defensive frailties.

“The same thing has happened that’s caused us problems for the whole season," said Hodges. "We can’t defend set-pieces or mark a man individually."

City: Paul Hider, Calron Hall, Ben Gerring, Jake Ash (Paul Kendall, 28), Martin Watts (Ben Williams, 71), Cody Cooke, Joe Broad, Marcus Martin, Les Afful, Andy Watkins, Barry Hayles (Matt Wright, 71). Subs (not used): Lee Hodges.

Staines Town: Jack Turner, Lewis Ferrell (Erivaldo), Doug Bergqvist , Sam Page, Max Worsfold, David Wheeler, Troy Ferguson, Jerel Ifil, Louis-Rae Beadle (Jack Mills, 61), Ashley Lodge, Tyrone Marsh ( Tony Garrod, 87). Subs (not used):  Adam Faith, Matt Drage, Scott Taylor.

Goals: Marsh (35) 0-1, Bergqvist (47) 0-2, Page (65) 0-3.

Bookings: Kendall (42), Ferrell (45), Bergqvist (55), Hall (72).

Referee: John O'Brien.

Attendance: 478.

Report by Simon Hadley.