Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Coalville

Tamworth Men’s First XI fell to a heavy defeat at Coalville in the National Vase semi-final, going down 9-0 in front of a large crowd, including dozens of Tamworth supporters.  An even start settled into the hosts dominating possession but Tamworth carried a threat on the break with Ian Wagstaff causing trouble with his aerial passes which exploited Coalville’s high defensive line and lack of pace and Ben Acheson breaking up play superbly alongside him.  Unfortunately Tamworth couldn’t create a clear cut chance and whilst the defence and midfield had performed admirably to restrict the host’s chances and keep them outside the D Coalville found a way through with two goals in five minutes.  Tom Grimshaw then saw yellow for hitting the ground in frustration and catching an opponent.

After the break Coalville stepped up their game and their superior movement and fitness told, even if their classless and disrespectful attitude didn’t, as Tamworth struggled to gain a foothold in the game.  After two more goals and two further yellow cards, one for each side including ex Coalville player Dan Phillips, Tamworth then lost all their shape and fluency and let in poor goals to finish on the wrong side of 9 goals.  Tamworth can hold their heads high that they reached the last 4 and beat teams much higher in the league standings on the way as well as showing in parts of this game that they were able to compete with the winners of the new league they go into next season.

Tamworth will go into the final game of the season next week against Derby looking to finish on a high having already secured the league title in Tom Hancox’s last game as captain.