TRURO CITY 3 LAUNCESTON 2 - THE road to promotion is littered with a surprise round every bend as Truro City found out on Saturday when Launceston almost caused an upset at Treyew Road.

City would have expected to be convincing winners, but mid-table Launceston had other ideas and provided City with a tough encounter.

The Clarets had no intention of being rolled over like lambs to the slaughter and maybe gave City a taste of what may lie ahead with their no nonsense, physical approach.

City were at full strength with new signings Marcus Martin and Joe Broad in the line-up. Such was the strength of the squad there was no place on the bench for club skipper Lee Beer.

The opening skirmishes were just that, more skirmish than football, but it was Launceston who should have taken the lead in the eighth minute when Mike Cain was caught in possession for Liam Tilley to run through, but with just Andy Butcher to beat he lobbed the ball over the bar.

It was a let of for City, but after 17 minutes they weren't quite so fortunate when Lee Doncaster was hauled back by Jake Ash and the referee awarded a penalty. Paul Smith took the spotkick and made no mistake to put the visitors in front.

Full report in this week's issue.