Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Newark

Tamworth Men’s First XI enjoyed double success to extend their lead at the top of East Midlands Division One and advance to the third round of the National Vase.

Tamworth’s league game at home to Newark was a test of the team as they faced a promotion rival.  Town started with great intensity and laid siege to Newark’s goal, assisted by a visiting player entering the sin bin for breaking down play from an aerial.  Tamworth’s reward came when, after Ben Popple had spurned two good chances, he converted the hardest of the game so far as he crashed a reverse stick shot across goal to give Town a deserved lead.  Newark then had their best spell of the game and Town’s defence had to be at their best to keep out the visitors.

In the second half Newark continued to push Tamworth back, with Town carrying their greatest threat on the break, utilising their pace out wide.  Newark drew first blood following the break as they flooded the midfield and they equalised from a penalty corner routine.  The home side however showed why they are top of the league and following Tom Sperrink missing a simple chance from Popple’s cross, man of the match Ian Wagstaff picked out Sperrink from distance and he beat the last defender before crashing in his shot.  Newark immediately hit back as they scrambled in after Tamworth gifted possession in their own half and when Dave Langford saw yellow for a strong late challenge Town looked to be holding out for a point.  The winning goal came late in the game with Sperrink’s shot squirming between the keeper’s legs and Town held on for a crucial 3-2 victory.