From the Dugout (Truro City Reserves)

I was absolutely delighted we found a way to win on Boxing Day.

Even after a hugely disappointing performance against Launceston, we would have been strong favourites in many people’s eyes. Despite not hitting the heights this season, we were still fifth coming into the game and Bodmin  are very much in a transition period

We had a bit of adversity ourselves.

Chris Reski has been unavailable for a period (returning today), Jacob Smale was ruled out late, and we lost Lloydy to what looked like a nasty injury 15 minutes in.

On top of that, we had a setback in losing Rhys Hooper just before Christmas.

We always knew that he would be moving on at some stage, he’s been exceptional for us, a lad with a big future. I always thought when he left, it would be for perhaps a step 4 side. It’s a great signing for St Austell for sure but it’s a tough one to take.

So throw that all into the mix and we were far from certs to win the game and it turned out to be a dour battle in bottomless ground.

Simmo and Reevo were in my ear about going 2 up top for the last 20 and it was that move that provided the impetus for us to carry a greater threat and get the goals in the last 10 minutes.

It’s brilliant to have lads like Simmo, Reevo and Wittser to share ideas with.

Wishing you all a happy new year, and hopefully we can kick on again in 2024 and match last seasons top 4 finish

Cheers

There are some strange days marked on Saturday 13th January. Did you know it is National Peach Melba Day, National Rubber Duckie Day, and International Sceptics Day. I’ll let you fit people who you think might be marking any of those. One I do like is that the 13th of January is Make Your Dream Come True Day. We’re encouraged to turn our aspirations into achievements with persistence and hard work, recognising that every step counts in the journey towards our desired reality. Does this sound like one of Rower’s pre-match team talks.

I’ve always been a big dreamer; I remember as a teenager wanting to achieve my dream of owning my own business and being successful. I bought into the philosophy that if I worked hard enough, I could achieve anything. I’m also a very positive person who believes in seeing the possibilities and opportunities over the risks and potential for failure. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll learn from it and try something else. As I’ve got older my passion and drive are still there but not with the aim of business success and wealth.

Now I’m far more concerned with helping others fulfil their potential and flourish in whatever way is good for them. I love seeing people who are marginalised, or put down in any way, achieve their goals and become the person they’ve dreamed of being. Last weekend when Chelsea gave 17-year-old Michael Golding his first team debut against Preston, I was overjoyed to see a young man have that opportunity and very nearly scored too.

I don’t go in for New Year’s resolutions, but I do believe in aiming high and believing in oneself, looking forward and believing that I can make my dreams come true. Sometimes I can achieve things on my own but often I need the help and encouragement of others. When I’m doubting, I know the people who will pick me up and keep telling me I can do it. In the Bible Barnabus is known as the encourager. He was known for staying with people who were new to the Christian faith, helping, teaching them, and be there for them when needed.

I want to encourage everyone at our club that we can achieve our dreams, from the youngest children’s teams, male and female, to the men’s and women’s first teams, we can be the best! I also want to encourage everyone to support and encourage others, who might need an arm around the shoulder, who do you know whose head is dropping, who can you help to make their dream true?