Hemel Hempstead Town 1, Truro City 1
An 89th minute header from Jared Lewington helped salvage a vital point in Truro City’s relegation battle after a 1-1 draw away at Hemel Hempstead Town, writes Cameron Weldon.
With last week’s home game left abandoned following a serious injury to midfielder Michael Herve, Truro slipped into the bottom three and headed to Hertfordshire knowing they needed to get at least a share of the points.
The White Tigers started the brighter. Niall Thompson playing in a more advanced role, saw an effort go over the bar before striker Jared Lewington took the ball down well but failed to get his shot away.
River Allen then saw his goal bound effort blocked before Hemel took the lead completely against the run of play. After conceding a sloppy corner, danger man Sanchez-Watt was left unmarked and headed home past a helpless Alexis Junior.
Despite going behind, City still looked on top and top scorer Tyler Harvey had two chances before the break to equalise, but both his efforts were well saved by Laurie Walker in the Hemel goal.
Going into a rather uneventful second half, Truro were still the better side but struggled to break down a resolute Hemel Hempstead backline. Allen tried his luck from distance but saw his effort goal high and wide.
Truro needed a goal, and Paul Wilkinson introduced Brandon Diau to the fold, coming on for defender Billy Palfrey as Truro continued to press.
The hosts resistance was finally broken on 89 minutes when Diau was fouled outside the area. Connor Riley-Lowe whipped in an inviting cross that was powerfully met by Jared Lewington, who fired in the chance to earn Truro a huge point, the very least they deserved.
Truro now move out of the relegation places and have a huge game in hand on Tuesday night as Concord Rangers make the journey to Treyew Road for the second time in little over a week.
Truro City: Junior, Palfrey (Diau 81), Riley-Lowe, Grimes, Richards (c), Thompson, Banton (Booth 70), Allen, D Rooney, T Harvey, Lewington.
Hemel Hempstead Town: Walker, Howe, Connolly, Parkes (c), Kpohomough, Hamblin, Monlouis, Cotter, Amu, Sanchez-Watt, Rowe.
Attendance: 436
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