By Morgan Sheppard, Truthfal sports reporter
Truro City manager Lee Hodges paid tribute to goalkeeper Tom McHale following the 4-2 victory over Whitehawk after the red-haired stopper took to the field despite being involved in a car crash before the game.
Hodges told reporters: “I’d like to touch on Tom, he had a car crash today…he wasn’t hurt but just shaken up because I don’t think the car is in too good condition.
“So credit to him to come and play.”
Truro City keeper Tom McHale keeps his eye on the ball against Whitehawk. Photo by Colin Bradbury
Hodges described the result as a “relief” after his side rallied to a home victory over their relegation rivals at Treyew Road, helped by two goals from Andrew ‘Rocky’ Neal.
“Again we’ve had to score more than two to win a game of football but we have got goals in us,” said Hodges.
“It’s a better feeling now than it was before the game, all week I’ve felt it.”
The win sees the White Tigers leapfrog Whitehawk in the league table, furthering the distance between them and the relegation zone.
“They’ve picked right up so we knew had to be on our mettle and I’m pleased with the win and pleased for the fans as well,” the 43-year-old manager added.
“It’s easy when you’re down there and fighting that the fans go against you, but the whole season here and when we’ve travelled … they stick behind the boys and clap them off even when the performances haven’t been there.”
When questioned if his side had enough to stay up this season, he said: “I’d like to say hopefully we’ve got enough, but until it’s mathematically done, we haven’t got enough at the moment.”
With six games to go City are five points clear of the drop zone and next face a long trip to bottom side Margate on Saturday.
“Hopefully it gives us that little bit of momentum going into what is another big game next week at Margate,” Hodges added.