Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Wellingborough

Tamworth Men's First XI recorded an important 2-1 win away against bottom of the league Wellingborough on Saturday.

Town were missing regulars Tom Hancox and Ben Acheson but had a strong side and were confident of taking 3 points against their winless opponents.  The game started well for Tamworth as they played the ball around confidently but Wellingborough quickly got into gear and were soon on top as they were awarded a number of free hits and penalty corners but couldn't find a way through.  Town then took the lead against the run of play as they were awarded a penalty corner themselves and after the ball was slipped to Dave Langford his shot rebounded off the keeper and fell for captain Tom Sperrink to lash through the crowd with the hosts stopper unable to adjust quick enough.  Wellingborough came back strongly and whilst an impressive performance from centre back partnership Dave Langford and J Haywood restricted the home side to chances from set pieces Tamworth did need a superb reflex stop from Simon Carey in goal to maintain the advantage at the break.

After the break the game became far more open as both sides strode to get the crucial second goal of the match and Ben Robins and Ryan Brisco caused trouble for the Wellinborough defence.  Again Town's defence marshalled the game well and although the ball flew across the face of goal Tamworth looked more comfortable than in the opening half. The story of the game was very much who could take their chances from penalty corners and when Tamworth were awarded their second of the day it was Sperrink who grabbed his and Town's second.  This time Ian Wagstaff slipped him the ball and Sperrink struck first time and with the ball heading for the backboard it flew off a defenders stick into the roof of the net.  Wellingborough did pull a goal back with 5 minutes to go as they eventually converted a penalty corner at the thirteenth attempt but Town saw out the game, taking the ball into the corner and running the clock down to take them back above rivals Nuneaton in the table.

Town will need to upset the form table by beating North Notts at home next Saturday in the final game of the season to ensure they remain ninth but will feel more confident of doing so with this hard fought victory.