Moneyfields end up with a Cornish pasting in FA Trophy exit to Truro City

Goalscorer Martyn White in action during Moneyfields' FA Trophy loss to Truro City at Dover Road. Picture: Martyn White.

Moneys, who had never previously reached this stage of the competition, came up short against their division-higher Southern League Premier South opponents on a cold and wet afternoon.

Striker Steve Hutchings had fired the hosts ahead inside a minute as hopes of an upset were raised.

But those celebrations were soon dampened with Andrew Neal heading the visitors level less than two minutes later before four second-half strikes made it a comfortable win in the end for Truro.

Kieron Roberts, left, battles for possession during Moneyfields' FA Trophy tie with Truro. Picture: Martyn White.

Despite the driving rain and cold conditions, both teams came flying out of the traps in a frantic start.

The hosts took the lead inside 60 seconds with Hutchings on hand to poke home after the ball fell kindly to him in the area.

That proved to be the wake-up call the Cornwall side needed, though, and they were soon level.

Neal cleverly peeled off his marker to head his side level after meeting Dan Rooney's pinpoint cross.

Action from Moneyfields' FA Trophy tie with Truro. Picture: Martyn White.

The game then began to settle down following the lively opening with Moneys happy to retreat into a solid shape and allow Truro possession.

City were intent on getting the ball wide and nearly went ahead from another cross on 23 minutes. Shane White's clipped pass was met by Tyler Harvey, only for his header to hit the inside of the post.

Moneys were more than in the tie at the halfway stage and would have had a shock in their sights.

But when former Plymouth Argyle striker Harvey slotted home his first seven minutes after the restart, it looked an uphill battle.

Moneys were then forced to commit more players forward in a bid to get back into it.

That would leave them exposed with Truro capitalising in the closing stages.

Neal's second 15 minutes from time started a flurry of three goals in the space of six minutes.

Harvey's brilliant driving run and finish made it four less than a minute later while substitute Kieran Hayes rounded off the scoring nine minutes from the end.

It was a final scoreline that flattered the visitors, but Moneys could have no complaints about their Trophy exit.

With the Southern League still on hold, Moneys are unsure when their next competitive fixture will be.