A 71st-minute strike from Jake Ash earned Truro City an FA Trophy replay as they drew 1-1 with Gloucester City at Whaddon Road.

Ash had been moved up to play as a make-shift striker in the final 20 minutes of the match, after the injured Barry Hayles was substituted.

However, it did not take long for him to adjust to the new role as he slammed a shot in from the edge of the box and then came close to getting a winner.

It was in stark contrast to the game played between these two sides in the FA Cup third qualifying round last month, when City fell to an embarrassing 7-2 defeat - an humiliation they were reminded off just before kick-off as the home side took the opportunity to present captain Tom Webb with the FA’s player-of-the-round performance trophy for his effort in that victory over Truro.

However, this time City showed a greater resolve and sturdy defensive performance. First-choice centre-back pairing of Steve Adams and Arran Pugh performed well, with a strong wind and slope working against them.

Goalkeeper Tim Sandercombe remained largely untested in the visitors goal.

Tom Hamblin did hit a fiercely struck shot, from a Matt Coupe cross, on 12 minutes, but that whistled wide of the target. Three minutes later Adam Mann played the ball into Will Morford, but the former Hellenic League striker was off-target with his effort as well.

In a lack-lustre first half, City also struggled to create chances. Les Afful was his usual lively self down the left wing, but they struggled to find a killer ball to break down a stubborn home defence.

It was Gloucester who started the second half the better team and they deservedly went in front when Bristol Rovers loanee Charlie Reece’s struck a shot that deflected off a Truro City defender and past a stranded Sandercombe. Facing another cup exit, Hodges rang the changes midway through the half. Dan Smith replaced an ineffectual Stewart Yetton, while Ed Palmer came on for Hayles, who was injured following a challenge with Gloucester keeper Mike Green.

Ash was pushed into a striking role and got the equaliser, collecting a loose ball, following a free-kick, he sent a shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.

From then on it was City who looked the more likely side to grab a winner, as Gloucester sat back. Ash came closest, but his fiercely struck shot from outside the box was agonisingly wide of the goal.

Speaking after the match Truro City boss Lee Hodges, said: “It was a tough game, what with the knowledge we had lost so heavily there in the FA Cup and with us playing against the slope and a very strong wind in the first half. For much of the time, it was hard to get out of our own half.

“We did ever so well to come in 0-0 at half-time. I told the boys that if they went out with the same attitude for the second half they would be all right, but if they thought the job had already been done then they would come unstuck. For the first 15 minutes, we just didn't turn up, but then as soon as Gloucester scored we came to life again.

“We had to make some changes. Yetsy (Stewart Yetton) just wasn’t in it and he admitted afterwards that he had not done well. Dan Smith came on and had a very good 20 to 25 minutes. Barry Hayles got his knock and we gambled by putting Jake Ash up front. He scored the equaliser and could have got the winner. I was pleased overall.”

Truro City club secretary and physio Martin Woolcock also had praise for the excellent support from fans who travelled to the game.

“The fixture at Gloucester was played between two well-matched sides. The only difference we felt in the end was the unbelievable support the Truro City fans gave. This just drove the boys on and on. The bench were sure that the Gloucester players felt as if they were playing away.”