Harvey returns to send Romans heading out of FA Trophy

City exited the FA Trophy this afternoon at Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park in a single-goal defeat to National League South side Truro City, with the decisive goal coming early in the second half from former Roman striker Tyler Harvey.

City were equal to their higher division opponents in the opening exchanges but it took a stunning save from Harvey Wiles-Richards to keep out Harvey’s 18th minute shot. Truro began to enjoy the majority of possession as the half progressed but City posed a threat on the break. On the half hour Fisher’s cross picked out Pedro Elawar but his shot was well-saved by Stone. And City ended the half desperately unlucky not to break the deadlock when Fisher headed Adam May’s free-kick against the post with Stone beaten.

The Tinners started the second half on the front foot and, moments after Wiles-Richards kept out Tweedy’s shot, they took the lead when Oxlade-Chamberlain’s deep cross was expertly headed into the net by Harvey. With the Cornish side appearing happy to sit back on this narrow lead, City began to see more of the ball and fashioned several half-chances. Elawar tested Stone with a low shot then Danny Greenslade’s cross flashed across goal without a teammate able to get the vital touch. The closing stages saw City continue to push forward looking to take the game to a penalty shoot-out. Their best chance fell to substitute Reuben Reid with four minutes left but his shot lacked the power to beat Stone and Truro saw out the remaining time to secure their place in the 3rd Round