I was finally back in my full routine this week. With the body feeling fit and strong, it has been good to continue to build on all aspects of myself. I got to the gym 4 times throughout the week, whether it was for my workout and interval run, or my body weight work out or yoga, I was there often and got a lot of good work in. On Monday and Tuesday, I was finally able to link up with Truro College academy team to get an extra two field sessions in. These are great because a lot of it is technical work, and most footballers know that there is always room for improvement technically, so I always take benefit from those trainings. I also managed to get my footwork/speed work/ball work sessions in down at the local park. As I have been told often, that my speed could be improved, I continue to focus on that. Training those fast twitch muscles to get faster. It will all be beneficial in the long run!
On Wednesday, it was Zanes birthday. I managed to bake a couple banana chocolate chip cakes for the occasion, and Mark’s Godmother, who he has been staying with invited us over for dinner. It was a wonderful evening with great food and a lot of conversation. They live on a farm, and having been raised on a farm myself, we sure had lots to talk about.
And we were treated to another meal on Thursday, as the supporter, John, that was taking us up to training that evening invited us over for a late afternoon meal before we headed up to training. A great meal as always, especially having that homely feel. After the meal we had some time before we left for training, so Mark pulled out the cards and we continued our card games, which by now we have amassed over 100 games I’m sure! As we drove to training, the weather was coming in. We knew it was supposed to snow a little further up country, however we were getting sleet and hail on the way up. Training was no different, wind, hail, sleet and snow. Made for a joyous time on the turf!
On Saturday, because we didn’t have a game due to our first round loss to Forest Green in the FA Trophy, I set out to train for 90min to make sure I still got enough training in to keep fitness levels high and stay sharp. It was a good long session, covering all the needs, and certainly had me blowing by the end. Saturday night gave us a chance to se what the nightlife was like in Truro. It certainly wasn’t anything too special, and was fairly different to what I have previously experienced in the USA. It was nice to get out at least finally after a long hard slog of a few months. Sunday was still productive with cleaning the caravan and my room, and of course, I managed to get a Sunday run in!
Sorry, no photos from this week :/
The week began in Bristol where we explored the city a little more before dropping Michelle off at the train station for her to head home, and Mum and I got on the road back to Truro. Tuesday was the day where I really got back into my routine where I went to the gym in the morning, and we had team training in the evening. However during the day Mum, Zane and Myself headed over to Perranporth for lunch and a lovely beach walk with great winter weather. The sun was shining and the beach was just wonderful. Always a great escape to breath in fresh salty air and be by the ocean.
care of me during my time here, and for the week were taking care of Mum. We headed to an award wining pub for a true English pub meal, which was lovely.
hough a grey day. After a couple hours we were back in the little town to have lunch and figure out our next moved. Porthreath wasn’t too far away, so we headed there. It was a little disappointing to say the least as it looked to be a bit of an old run down port town that is no longer as active as it once was. That evening we had team training again. Training had been good this week and I felt like I was training well. Hopefully it pays off on Saturday.
Saturday was game day. The weather was misty and drizzling in the morning, but Mum and I still got out just to get away and clear the head a bit. We went back to Perranporth and wandered on the beach a little before we headed back so I could prepare for the game. Unfortunately, my training had not paid off and I was still on the bench, which was disappointing. The game turned out to be a positive result finally, winning 3-2. As always, just very difficult to watch from the sidelines and not even get on to contribute. This coming week will be a very important one for me! Mum and I went out for dinner that evening as our last hurrah before she headed home in the morning. It was just nice to spend some time with her and take my mind away from the difficulties that football is presenting me with at the moment.
During the week Mum, Michelle and myself were able to explore Cornwall. We spent Tuesday in and around Falmouth, spending time at Pendennis Point, Gyllys beach, and wandering the streets and waterfront. Michelle and I also managed a 13km run along the coastal track to Maenporth and back. On Wednesday, we headed south west. We arrived in St. Ives early and explored the town and the port a little bit, before we headed out along the South West Coast path. It was a great walk along some pretty amazing coastline. The weather was clear blue skies with the sun shining, so it was a perfect day for a nice walk. After a couple hours, we returned to St. Ives for lunch and then carried on South to St. Michaels Mount. As the tide was in, we couldn’t walk out to it, so we sat on the beach and just looked out for awhile as the sun was slowly coming down. We jumped back in the car and headed for The Lizard, the most south-westerly p
oint of the British mainland. Once again, we walked along the coast path before finding a nice spot to watch an incredible sunset out across the ocean. The colors were amazing and the 360 view was very cool. As we walked back to the car, thousands of birds were flying around from paddock to trees and back to the paddock. There must have been some sort of seeds in the trees that they all wanted a taste of and we just watched massive flocks of birds dipping and diving and pooping their way to the tree. Was quite incredible the sheer number of birds. This was an eventful end to our wonderful day of exploration and travel.
We were there as the evening set and we got to witness the light and music show in the Mediterranean biome. It was incredible watching beams of light spread across the biome and bounce of trees and plants. A great experience, and with a little more time spent there, it could be a very educational one too.
erns. After lunch, Mum and I got back in the car and carried on around the coastline to another spot recommended to me by a friend. It turned out to be the highlight of the day as we walked through some farm land onto sand dunes and then above on the hills. It was called Three Cliffs, and it was a lovely spot with great beach views. It didn’t take longer than 90min to get back to Bristol in time to meet Michelle for our New Years eve meal. And then we were home and in bed early. Not the most exciting New Years eve.
A whirlwind of a week has gone by. With the Christmas festivities taking off all around, town was always a buzz with people shopping or wandering the streets. Truro certainly has done well with its decorations all around the streets and in all the shops. Certainly makes it feel like the holidays.
Friday evening was the event of the week as Mum and Michelle were arriving into Newquay that evening after 40plus hours of traveling. What they didn’t know was I was going to surprise them at the airport. First I had to take an 80 minute bus ride from Truro to Newquay bus station. It was a double decker, so I sat up top, and all the small towns we drove through, I got a great view of the Christmas lights in houses, on trees, or lining the streets. I then got a ride from the bus station to the airport with a friends parents. Once arrived, I found out the flight was delayed. An hour and a half after I had first arrived at the airport, they arrived, and I was certainly a surprise to them! Success! Then we picked up the rental car and headed for their AirBnB.
e them a quick tour of the city center before we got the rest of our supplies for Christmas dinner and beyond. I took them out to the caravan to give them at look at my new home as such which was nice. Knowing Mum, it will give her a little more comfort knowing where I am living so she knows I am safe and warm. We headed back to the AirBnb in Flushing, just across the water from Falmouth before we began baking the Christmas cookies.After the first batch, we headed back to Truro to make sure we got to the Cathedral for carols early enough, and we were well early so we did a night tour of Truro city center so they could see all the Christmas lights down all the streets. Mum and Michelle struggled to keep their eyes open during the carols but we made it and then headed home for bed.
And Sunday was the day. Christmas had come, and Santa had somehow found me deep down in Cornwall! The day began with a lovely breakfast made by Michelle followed by FaceTiming Dad, the closest we got to all being together this year. Then we dug into our presents which is always nice, before we headed out for a walk. It certainly wouldn’t have been England if it wasn’t grey and gloomy on Christmas day. We walked out around a track on some farm land that was on the edge of the ocean. Nothing better than being by the sea for Christmas, just not like the true Kiwi Christmas on the beach. We headed back and ha
d a nice afternoon before Michelle and I headed out up the hill for a 5km run. Zane then joined us for Christmas dinner, and it certainly was a feast. It was a great end to a great day, and I am very fortunate to have had Mum and Michelle join me. I went back to the caravan tonight to stay in routine and prepare for game day tomorrow. A new week begins with a game.
It was a busy week to say the least. On Monday, I had to balance my training because we had our Cup replay on Tuesday, so my routine was adjusted a little bit. Zane and I were invited to one of the teams supporters house for a nice Christmas meal. It was a lovely afternoon and the roast was fantastic, and the conversation was just as good. The supporters have been great throughout our time, and its really nice to be able to get to know them all better and share our lives with them. It certainly makes me feel more welcome at the club and in the city too.
The week picked up on Tuesday as we had our FA Trophy replay against Forest Green Rovers. A relaxing morning and then some radio promotion around lunch time was how I spent the day leading up to what was a very big game. Once again, we were up for the challenge against a very good team. And before the game even kicked off, we had a little victory, they changed their formation to match our formation hoping that they would be able to play it better than us. However, the game was once again very even. It was a battle for sure and neither could break the deadlock in
regular time, so we headed to extra time. We continued to fight, and 3min into the second half of extra time, an absolute rip from 25yds out that went top corner from an ex premier league player was to be the difference in the end. We had given everything, and had many great chances, including hitting the woodwork a few times. But we just couldn’t sneak one home. So that ended two great games against a higher opposition, which gave me confidence to know that I can compete at that level, however it will take consistency in my game in the second half of the season for me to hopefully get that opportunity.
nd I found a few new roads which took me through more countryside which is always nice. I made sure to treat my muscles appropriately because it is a long season and so the body has to be able to cope! That evening we went into town and this week there were Victorian Markets, with all the stall sellers dressed in Victorian era clothing. It was a lovely experience with many great things for sale. Always nice to just look around it all.
chat on the bus ride home with Rory about a lot of aspects of the game. It gave me a greater understanding of my position and my role, and just gives me more things to focus on developing in my game. So a very productive chat that allowed me to take the game, and put it into something that I can positively learn and develop from.
On Wednesday, Zane and I got out of the caravan and went down town. For the month leading up to Christmas, every Wednesday evening, the city hosts markets on the streets and in the town square. It was lovely and festive, with food
stalls, craft stalls, and various other things. There was also a local brass band playing Christmas tunes which added to the festivity. It was lovely to wander around and see the various foods from various countries, and a lot of locally grown farm food too. Once we had walked around enough, we headed to the bar to watch the Champions League games on the big screen and drink our waters! It was a great night and just good to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Saturday came around and it was a very exciting occasion. We were playing 
y gone in ahead. At half time I rung out about half a litre of water from my shirt, gathered my thoughts and refocused for the second half. We just had to keep going and keep working together as a unit, and we were sure to nick a goal. Of course, the last thing we wanted to do was concede in the first 10min of the second half, and sure enough they made the breakthrough in the 50th minute. However, we absorbed the pressure and then turned the tables a bit, looking very dangerous on the counter attack. We had kept ourselves right in the game, and with about 20min left, we equalized from a corner. And now we were really pushing them and getting in behind with our pace up front. In the last 10min we had 3-4 fairly clear cut chances to take the lead but could not equalize. It 
Personally, I felt a completely different player in the second half. I was much more aware and clinical in the second half. It was a promising display in the second half, and now I will get another chance to put out that type of performance for the full game this Tuesday. For once, the bus ride wasn’t too long and we were home before 10pm. Recovery had already begun for me on the bus making sure to stretch and drain my legs on the journey home.
This week was a tough week mentally to keep going, to keep training, to stay motivated, to know that there will be an end outcome. But it is the possibilities of outcomes that do keep me going. Not knowing what opportunities may arise in the future is something that makes me work harder and train better so that I can take advantage of whatever opportunities do come.
With the weather being colder, it meant that the skies were clearer and I was able to witness some great sunsets from the caravan park. And yes, the sun sets at 4.20pm currently. And with clear sunsets, came starry nights, which are always lovely to see. Reminds me a bit of home for sure.
My Sunday run took me down new country roads and along some lovely farms. Just great to see the countryside a bit, all the while I am recovering and getting my legs back from the game the night before. During the afternoon I got out the cooking items and cooked up some Banana Chocolate Chip Bread. The first one was good, but the second came out even better. So a nice treat for throughout the week.
The weeks are becoming more familiar, the town is more familiar and the results are more familiar too. It was another very productive week for me. Consistent training each day, and most often twice a day too. The gym has been serving me well, and the weather dried up a bit which allowed me to get out on the field and do some ball work, which is always needed. I have been able to attend yoga classes twice a week and they have been great for recovery but also general flexibility and well-being. I can feel progress each session and there are some areas that I hope to continue to work on and progress for my own benefit.
We also got a few hours of work training in at the bar which was nice to get that ball rolling. And on Wednesday, I headed into town to view the annual light and lantern festival. The streets were filled with thousands of people and various groups from the community, mostly school children, paraded down with hand crafted lanterns. There were some very im
pressive ones. And what could be said to be the highlight of the night was when all the Christmas street lights were finally turned on in Truro. The town just lit up, and now whenever you’re in town after dark, there are always lights hanging across the streets and down the buildings.
Our game this weekend was the third round qualifier for the FA Trophy, which is a cup for Non-league teams. We played against Frome Town, who a few of my friends that I have made in football have played for previously, so a familiar team name at least. They are in the league below us, but were a decent side. The score didn’t fully reflect the game too much, as we just took our chances and they didn’t, however they didn’t have too many decent chances. We were clinical and won 6-1, which could have been more. Very disappointed to have conceded the one goal, as a clean sheet is always nice, but the back line once again was very solid. We are becoming more comfortable with each other and the roles we play which is important to allow for the trust to develop between each other. As always, there is room to improve. In terms of my individual performance, I was much happier with how I played this week compared to last week. I was able to apply some of my learnings in certain areas of my game and that made me more solid and effective. A positive performance for sure.
great for the body and just what was needed after a long week of training.
ll ever be any consistency to it as winter progresses. I wouldn’t mind a little more sunshine, even if the air is crisp.
as a good feeling to have as we embarked on our long journey home. Personally, it was another game of learning, continuing to understand my new position and using my judgement on the field in certain situations. At times, I struggled, but now that I am aware of most of it, I can look back at the video and really see how my performance was. The game just showed what a team that fights together till the end can really do, and it took all of us to make sure we took those 3 points home.
A lot can change in a week. Finally based in Truro, I was able to find my way around, do some errands and just get a feel of the city. It is a lovely wee town and will certainly be a nice place to wander round and spend time. During the day, Zane and I went across to the club to see one of the groundsman, Ron. We had a good chat with him and then spent the evening at his place for dinner with him and his wife. A lovely home cooked meal is always a treat, and some great conversation and stories.
h it as we brought home 3 valuable points with us. Whitehawk’s pitch was unbelievable. It was on the biggest slope ever and I’m not sure how that is up to FA standards, and of course it was freezing and raining and windy, so a top result in those conditions. It certainly made for a happier bus ride home, and I finally had to sing a song as my team initiation. A trusty song that everyone knows, Your Beautiful by James Blunt was my choice and it got the boys going!
A nice surprise, however I know that I am only just getting settled and there is lots of improvement and development still need for me to get to where I want to be. Nonetheless, the recognition of a good performance is always nice. It was just lovely to return to what I can call home now after the game and relax and recover!
ded by cameras, so a little difficult to use them. The trail I continued to run was lovely and a nice little discovery. The rest of my afternoon was casual with a bit of shopping and then Zane and I headed down to the Primary School park to pass a ball around and just shake the legs out. I cooked the first full meal in our new home, which was spaghetti bolognese. Turned out great. And sadly, the Quinnipiac Men’s Soccer team season came to an end today as they lost in the final of their conference championship. A great season but just couldn’t get over the hurdle.