Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Berkswell & Balsall Common

Tamworth Men's 1st XI now face an uphill battle to avoid relegation after a 4-2 home defeat versus fellow strugglers Berkswell and Balsall Common.  With one point separating the sides going into the game Town knew it was important to get off to a strong start and they did just that when Ben Popple had a goalbound reverse stick shot blocked by a foot and Captain Ian Wagstaff stepped up and fired his shot high into the corner to give Tamworth the lead.  Tamworth then doubled their lead soon after with Tom Hancox hitting another reverse stick effort that the keeper could only parry and Tom Sperrink was on hand to push the ball into the unguarded net.  Berkswell came back strongly and had chances from penalty corners before Town failed to clear their lines and the visitors struck despite the best efforts of man of the match James Miles in goal.  Town were reduced to 10 men when Ryan Brisco went into the sin bin and Berkswell capitalised scoring just moments before half time to leave the sides level at 2-2 at the break.

In the second half both sides were looking for the crucial win and Tamworth did well to weather two further periods with a player in the sin bin as Dave Langford and Mitch Francuz saw green cards for dissent.  As Tamworth adjusted formation and pushed for the winner it was Berkswell who struck before adding a fourth to leave Tamworth staring at a 4 point deficit to make up to reach safety.