Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Ashby

Reflective of their recent run of good form, Tamworth Men’s 1st XI put up a staunch performance away to a well-drilled Ashby side, but were unable to prosper in a hard fought game that saw the home side win 2-0. Ashby enjoyed periods of sustained possession in the early exchanges, but Tamworth retained their defensive shape and prevented Ashby from making any significant attempts in to the D. Captain James Griffin and Ben Robins showed great resolve on the left wing, allowing Tamworth to counter with purpose and providing Town with a footing in to the game, however the lack of any real chances for either side saw the game break down in to a more physical contest, with an Ashby Forward being awarded a green card for an attempted head-butt on Centre Back Dave Langford. Simon Carey pulled off a stunning diving save to keep Tamworth’s ambitions alive late in the first half, but was unable to keep out a lofted effort moments later; the ball creeping across the goal line despite a despairing dive from Ross Carter. Tamworth restarted in positive fashion and were unfortunate not to be on level terms – Tom Hancox driving in to the oppositions D and beating the keeper, but having his shot knocked clear by a scrambling Ashby Defender. On the cusp of the half-time whistle, Ashby managed to break forward in numbers and slotted in a second, leaving Tamworth needing a big second half performance to fight their way back in to the game.

Ashby enjoyed a succession of chances early in the second half, but Tamworth remained resolute in their defense and did well to prevent Ashby from increasing the goal margin further – Ross Carter intercepting a number of passes to thwart the home team’s efforts down the right wing. Town battled for a way back into the match, with box-to-box Ian Wagstaff asking plenty of questions of the opposition. In spite of their efforts, Ashby continued to apply pressure and Tamworth became increasingly reliant on the counter attack to create chances – Cameron Hancox did well to hold the ball up on the by-line before linking up with Callum Taylor to win Tamworth a short corner which was in turn saved by the Ashby goalkeeper. An altercation with between a Forward and Tamworth’s Man of the Match Carey saw Ashby reduced to ten men in the dying moments of the game. Town pressed hard to get on the score sheet – the best chance falling to Tom Hancox, his shot narrowly passing over the crossbar. The second half remained goalless, and the game ended 2-0 to Ashby – Tamworth will take confidence from their performance, having only conceded two against one of the leagues more prolific scoring sides, and will hope to build upon their efforts next week against Nottingham.