Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Market Harborough

Tamworth Men’s First XI secured their first point since October, ending their run of defeats with a 2-2 draw at bottom of the table Market Harborough on Saturday.

Tamworth took a strong side for a game they could not afford to lose haven’t slipped into the relegation zone for the first time just prior to the Christmas break.  As expected for a crucial relegation battle the game started cagily with neither side creating clear cut chances.  Unfortunately for the visitors it was Harborough who found their rhythm quickest and following a cross from the left deflected in to take the lead.  Tamworth had to regroup as the home side looked to consolidate their lead but having weathered a period of sustained pressure they were given some relief as Harborough were temporarily reduced to 9 men, with a yellow card for a missing player from their team sheet and a green card for a late tackle from their centre forward.  Town didn’t take advantage during this period but on the brink of half time they levelled the scores with leading scorer Tom Hancox having a shot saved before reacting quickest to the rebound to score into the empty net.

The beginning of the second half saw both keepers on top with Sperrink having two one-on-one opportunities smothered before man of the match James Miles made a superb reaction save to keep the game level.  James Goode also put in an excellent performance on his return to the first team but despite their efforts it was Harborough who took the lead for the second time and faced a further setback when Cameron Hancox received a yellow card sin bin.  When back to eleven Town pushed for the goal they needed but looked to be running out of time until a penalty corner was awarded in the final minute and Tamworth snatched a dramatic point.  Two retakes were required with a Harborough defender sent to halfway for a foot on the line before a foot block led to another retake.  This time Tamworth made no mistake with Ian Wagstaff slipping the ball to Tom Sperrink and his shot arrowed into the bottom corner to ensure Tamworth went home with a crucial point and the hosts left dispirited.

Tamworth face Leicester Westleigh at home next Saturday looking to build on this point and climb out of the relegation zone.