Montgomery at the double to fire the Tudors past in-form Truro

Graeme Montgomery bagged a brace for the Tudors. Picture (c) Terry Rickeard

A depleted Hemel Town side defied the odds and thrust themselves right back into the National League South playoff race as they gained their third win on the bounce against promotion chasing Truro.

Hemel’s injury woes continued as they lost Ollie Thorne after just eight minutes, the influential centre-half having to be replaced by Ibra Sekajja.

Despite this setback it was The Tudors who took the lead when a superb ball found Graeme Montgomery in the clear and he slotted home on 13 minutes.

Hemel were content to let Truro have the ball and attack on the counter and created most of the chances in the first period, but they failed to convert and were made to pay just before half-time when Dan Green equalised for the Cornishmen, firing home from close range after a massive goalmouth scramble.

James Potton in action for Hemel against Truro City. Picture (c) Terry Rickeard

The second half continued much like the first with Hemel soaking up pressure but looking dangerous on the break.

Nikolay Todorov saw his curled effort strike the post with keeper Martin Rice well beaten, but Truro should have taken the lead moments later when they beat the offside trap but Green skied his shot from six yards out.

The winning goal came after 75 minutes when the impressive Sekajja broke down the right and fired in a shot that was blocked but flew up in the air and was met by Montgomery who headed his second of the game to give the Tudors a deserved lead.

Truro had their moments as the game drew to a close but Hemel could have added to their tally with Todorov, Potton and Montgomery all coming close.

Matt Spring was back in action for Hemel against Truro City. Picture (c) Terry Rickeard

In the end a well earned win in front of a big and noisy crowd for Dean Brennan’s men and, unbelievably, considering the injury problems his side have had, a playoff play is still very achievable.

The victory moves Hemel up to eighth place in the table, just four points behind Truro, and six points behind Gosport with three games in hand.

Next up for the Tudors is a home clash with Chelmsford City on Tuesday night.

Hemel 1 : Jamie Butler 2: Ben Herd © 3: Jack Kelly 4: Adam Bailey-Dennis 5: Ollie Thorne (14: Ibra Sekajja) 6: Harry Hickford 7: Ricky Wellard (12: Mathew

The Tudors celebrate Graeme Montgomery's opener. Picture (c) Terry Rickeard

Mitchell-King) 8: Michael Richens 9: Nikolay Todorov (17: Matty Spring) 10:James Potton 11: Graeme Montgomery. Subs not used: 15 Colm Parrott 16: Joe

Fitzgerald.

Truro: 1: Martin Rice 2: Shane White (17:Aaron Dawson) 3:Connor Riley-Lowe 4: Ryan Brett 5:Arron Bentley 6:Arran Pugh © 7: Ollie Knowles 8: Dan Green 9: Matty

Jay 10:Isaac Vassell (16:Les Afful) 11:Cody Cooke (15:Ben Adlesbury) Subs not used 14: Craig Duff 12: Jake Ash.

Man of the match: Graeme Montgomery (Hemel).

Attendance: 563.

Match rating: 4/5