Stretton double seals come-from-behind win for Truro at Gallagher Stadium
Truro City produced a determined second-half performance to claim a 2-1 victory over Maidstone United in Saturday’s National League South fixture at the Gallagher Stadium.
The Tinners found themselves trailing when Maidstone’s Nana Boateng tucked away a penalty on 41 minutes, but Jack Stretton turned the game on its head with two well-taken finishes in the final 15 minutes, scoring in the 76th and 80th minutes to secure all three points for the Cornwall side.
Truro City 2-1 Maidstone United
First half — Maidstone strike from the spot
The opening 45 minutes were finely balanced. Maidstone pushed to recover after midweek cup disappointment, and the hosts fashioned several early chances. Boateng featured prominently in Maidstone’s attacks, combining with Riley Court and Ken Charles to trouble the Truro defence.
The decisive moment of the half arrived late on when Dermi Lusala appeared to be impeded in the box, allowing Maidstone to win a penalty. Boateng stepped up and, after waiting for goalkeeper Aidan Stone to dive to his left, calmly rolled the spot-kick into the opposite corner to give Maidstone a narrow lead.
Second half — Truro’s response
Truro improved after the interval and were denied earlier chances: Greenslade rattled the bar in stoppage time at the end of the first period and also headed clear off the line shortly after the break, while Tom Tweedy and Luke Jephcott had openings that went begging.
Persistence eventually paid off. A well-worked move saw Connor Riley-Lowe deliver a cross from the right in the 76th minute, and Stretton finished from close range to draw Truro level. The turnaround was completed moments later when Tweedy’s low ball into the box was parried by Maidstone keeper Lenny Holden only as far as Will Dean; his rising effort was met by Stretton, whose glancing header found the net to complete a swift double and put the visitors in front.
Key moments and performers
- Nana Boateng — scored Maidstone’s penalty (41').
- Jack Stretton — two late goals (76', 80') to clinch the win for Truro.
- Aidan Stone — made a number of saves and was beaten from the spot.
- Lenny Holden — produced several stops but could not prevent the Stretton brace.
| Minute | Scorer | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 41' | Nana Boateng | Penalty scored (Maidstone 1-0) |
| 76' | Jack Stretton | Close-range finish (1-1) |
| 80' | Jack Stretton | Glancing header (Truro 2-1) |
The match underlined Truro’s resilience away from home. After a first half dominated by probing attacks from both sides but relatively few clear-cut finishes, the visitors showed greater composure in the decisive phases. The impact of substitutes and the willingness to press forward paid dividends during the closing quarter.
For Maidstone, there were promising passages of play and glimpses of creativity from the wide areas, but they were ultimately undone by two late strikes. The penalty conversion gave them an advantage, yet they were unable to sustain the lead despite chances to extend it earlier in the second half.
From a Truro perspective, the victory will be welcomed by players, staff and supporters making the journey down from Cornwall. Securing three points on the road against a side rebounding from recent cup disappointment demonstrates a level of mentality that could prove important as the league campaign progresses.
Attention now turns to preparations for the next run of fixtures, with both clubs keen to build on the positives from this contest. Truro’s late turnaround will be savoured locally — a reminder of the small margins and fine moments that can define a season.
