National League South Preview

By Mark Stillman

The league leaders make the long journey to Cornwall in Saturday’s Star Game in National League South.

Truro City v Hemel Hempstead Town

This weekend is a clash between two teams who have excelled under new managers.

John Askey’s Truro sit sixth in a tight division (six points separate second to fourteenth) and their 2-1 win at Aveley last time out saw Tyler Harvey record his seventh goal this season. His 79th minute winner was the Tinners’ 11th second half goal this season, a joint high with Chesham United. It also ended the team’s three game goalless drought following league defeats against Bath City and Eastbourne Borough, plus an FA Cup loss at home to Brackley Town.

Their new stadium in Langarth has welcomed an average of 1,777 spectators for league games. A far cry from the end of last term – Hemel played Truro away in April during their Gloucester exile where just 74 fans witnessed a 2-0 Thursday night win for Town.

George Williams was on target that night in Alan Dowson’s only victory as interim boss. He was replaced by Bobby Wilkinson two weeks later and the former Weymouth chief is yet to taste defeat in charge in the league for the Tudors. Having survived relegation with a game to spare last term, they’re now top with six wins and three draws from nine.

The win at Gloucester six months ago started a run of clean sheets on the road which has continued into this season. Hemel haven’t conceded away in their last six, it’s some nine and a half hours of shutouts on their travels. Their last three away matches have all been 1-0 wins.

They’re far from dull, mind. An average of 3.22 goals witnessed per game is only bettered by Chesham United and Worthing. While seven different Truro players have chipped in with goals this season, five for Hemel have done likewise. Ricardo German has five since re-signing this summer, despite not completing 90 minutes this term.

Both teams will head into the contest after a fortnight off following early FA Cup exits. Hemel will stay top if they avoid defeat, a Truro win will move them two points behind the Tudors.

Saturday’s fixtures (KO 3pm):
Chelmsford City v Eastbourne Borough
Chesham United v Bath City
Chippenham Town v Boreham Wood
Dorking Wanderers v Hornchurch
Enfield Town v Weymouth
Farnborough v Aveley
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Torquay United
Slough Town v Tonbridge Angels
St Albans City v Salisbury
Truro City v Hemel Hempstead Town
Welling United v Weston-super-Mare
Worthing v Maidstone United

Read up on all the games in Sunday’s NLP!