National League South: Truro City 2-0 Oxford City

TRURO City bounced back perfectly to two straight defeats, with a hard earned 2-0 victory over Oxford City at Treyew Road, writes Cameron Weldon.

After successive defeats at the hands of Wealdstone and Billericay Town last week Truro were just four points clear of the relegation zone and needed a reaction, and a reaction was what they got.

With just three minutes on the clock, the White Tigers were denied the lead as 16-year-old Oxford keeper Steven Caro made three outstanding saves in a packed-out penalty area.

Truro continued to pile on the pressure at the Oxford backline. Jamie Richards headed a Connor Riley-Lowe cross over the bar before River Allen had a free kick evade everyone and go out for a goal kick.

The White Tigers couldn’t be kept quiet for long, Southampton loanee Ben Rowthorn tried his luck from outside the box and his effort fired into the top corner giving the young Oxford keeper no chance on 22 minutes.

Debutant Aaron Bentley then had a header cleared off the line as Truro pushed for a second.

The Rooney brothers linked up well and resulted in Louis picking out Dan who fired into the side netting.

Oxford struggled to create any clear-cut chances and had to result in taking shots from distance, which gave Truro keeper Harvey Rivers very little to deal with, going into the break.

Truro started the second half like they did the first. Louis Rooney had an opportunity well saved by Caro following a Thompson cross, while Rivers was called into action to deny an equaliser.

The equaliser never came, and Truro doubled their lead with 20 minutes to play. Dan Rooney, on his return from injury hit a shot from outside the box that was too powerful for the Oxford keeper and gave Truro a two-goal cushion and ultimately put the White Tigers out of sight.

Jordan Copp then had a late penalty appeal waved away as Truro eased to a 2-0 victory and gained three vital points in the relegation battle.

Truro now have a week to rest before they head to St Albans City next Saturday.

Truro: Rivers, Thompson, Riley-Lowe, Grimes, Richards (c), Bentley, Rowthorn, Allen, D Rooney (Herve 72), Harvey, L Rooney (Copp 60).

Oxford City: Caro, Jones, Dielna, Ashby, Moore-Azille, Oastler (c), Wiltshire, Fleet, Tshimanga, Thomas-Asante, Bawling.

Attendance: 436