Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Ashbourne

Tamworth started their HA Vase campaign with a tough opening game away to Midlands rivals Ashbourne.

On a bright Sunday afternoon Tamworth started well taking the game to the opposition with good work on the left giving the defenders plenty of early work to do.  Ashbourne looked to move the ball forward quickly and excellent defensive play from the midfield trio of Wagstaff, Herring and Charles limited the home side’s attacking opportunities.  As the half progressed Tamworth continued to pressure the Ashbourne goal with the keeper thwarting a number of goal scoring opportunities, until however the deadlock was broken with an excellent finish from Rob Trevasse.  Tamworth held strong until the break despite twice being reduced to ten men with lapses of concentration and discipline.

The second half started much in the same vain as the first with plenty of chances being created by Tamworth from both open play and set pieces, however the Gods continued to shine on the Ashbourne keeper and the score remained at 1-0.  As the game progressed Ashbourne continued to push forward and were kept at bay by resolute defending from Cook, Langford, Rourke, Goode and Pipe, however the home team finally leveled up the score with a goal from a penalty corner midway through the half.  Both teams lost players towards the end of the game due to a lack of discipline and despite further chances at both ends the game remained at 1-1.

A 15 minute period of extra time failed to find a winner and so the game was decided by penalty strokes which Ashbourne edged 4-3.

Tamworth should pleased with the effort showed after a tough game the day before, and if not for some good saves by the opposition goalkeeper could have easily won the match.