Truro City secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Southampton Under-21s in their National League Cup opener on Tuesday night. The match, which took place in Truro, saw the hosts dominate the second half and secure a comfortable lead with goals from Max Kinsey and Jack Stretton. However, Saints managed to score a late consolation goal through Harry Gathercole, who opened his account for the season in the process. Despite the loss, Saints came away from Cornwall with a first defeat of the season, while Truro continued their strong form in the competition.
The match began with a goalless first half, with both teams trading early chances. Southampton had the first opportunity when Princewill Ehibhatiomhan's effort flew over the bar in the 10th minute, while Truro's Dylan Moody saved a shot from Zac Bell. The visitors then had a chance to take the lead when Lewis Bailey's cool finish was disallowed by the linesman's flag.
Truro made the breakthrough eight minutes into the second half when Kinsey nodded home a free-kick delivery from Will Dean. This goal, however, did not deter Saints, who continued to push for an equalizer. Ehibhatiomhan forced a save from Truro's goalkeeper, Aidan Stone, and fired two more shots wide.
Truro doubled their lead in the 89th minute when Stretton converted a cross, effectively ending the contest. Despite Gathercole's late goal, which was his first of the season, it was not enough to change the outcome. The Tinners' victory means they remain unbeaten in the competition, while Saints will have to regroup for their next match.
Truro City: Stone (Lavercombe 25’), Bell (Riley-Lowe 84’), W Dean (Jephcott 63’), Harrison, Johnson-Fisher (Stretton 63’), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Colwell 63’), Love-Holmes, Nunn, Starkie, Kinsey, T Dean.
Southampton: Moody, Whittaker, Sewell (Larios 62’), Kayi Sanda, Anderson, Kakay (Day 74’), Charles, McMullan, Sesay (Little 46’), Bailey (Gathercole 46’), Ehibhatiomhan.
Referee: Sunny Singh Gill.
Attendance: 1,581.
