Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Derby

Tamworth Men’s First XI wrapped up the first half of the season before the Christmas break with a 3-1 win away to Derby.  Town had started the game by pressing Derby back and looking to capitalise on mistakes with Ryan Brisco in particular working hard to intercept the ball in the final third on numerous occasions.  Tamworth soon made the breakthrough their efforts deserved when following a weaving run from Tom Hancox the ball was worked to Sam Turner who lifted the ball over the keeper and Hancox showed a poachers instinct to turn the ball into the empty net.  Tamworth doubled the lead midway through the half when Tom Sperrink was released down the left and played a smart one-two with Hancox, who drew the keeper and the last defender, for Sperrink to tap in.  Derby fought to gain a foothold in the game but Ian Wagstaff and Ben Acheson in midfield along with the defence restricted Derby to half chances.  Unfortunately for Tamworth, Derby reduced the arrears when a penalty corner was awarded and although Tony Banks saved the initial shot the rebound fell kindly for Derby to score from the left of the D.

In the second half the game became scrappier and the entire Tamworth team worked hard to maintain the lead with Tom Grimshaw going close with a shot from the right and man of the match James Griffin making some key challenges whilst also offering an attacking outlet from right back.  The next goal would be key and Tamworth confirmed their ninth win from ten league games when Ryan Brisco drove into the D and squared for Sperrink to slap the ball into the backboard.  In the late stages the game boiled over as Derby had a player sent off for verbally abusing the umpire which gave Town some breathing room to see out the game.

Tamworth will start 2015 top of the league five points clear of second placed Oundle and eight points clear of Nuneaton in third.