TRURO CITY'S FA Vase-winning captain Tom Smith has hailed AFC Totton's front two - describing Mark Osman as "one of the best strikers" he has ever faced.

Smith knew he was in for a tough game early on at Wembley last Sunday when the alert Osman pounced on a moment's indecision between himself and fellow defender Graeme Power and almost lobbed Totton ahead after just three minutes.

And the pair - pictured left - were rarely far apart for the rest of the game, which Truro won 3-1.

The outstanding Smith, formerly of Northampton Town and Hereford United, who was booked for a late sliding challenge on Osman and was also a tad fortunate not to concede a penalty after a tussle with the Totton striker, said afterwards: "It's been a real tough day for me.

"Osman must be one of the best strikers I have played against. I just thought he has got great pace, good vision and great touch. I had my hands full.

"Osman is all legs. You never know what he is going to do. He is unpredictable, he has good feet, he is in and out and he is quick - and if you are going to be a striker you have got to be quick."

"And (Floyd) Hamodu was a handful in the air. He's very strong and he won his fair share of headers against us.

"When we came in at half-time we had to say if you can't win a header against him, let him win it and drop off'.

"They are up there with the best front twos I have faced this season. Curzon Ashton (who Truro beat in the semi-finals) also had a front two who were good."

l More Totton FA Vase final fall-out - see this weekend's Pink.