Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Buxton

Tamworth Men’s First XI won 5-3 away at Buxton on Saturday to record their first league win for 364 days.  After a demoralising relegation battle last season and two defeats in the opening games of the season Town travelled to Buxton with seven first team players unavailable.  This meant that Town took the bare eleven including three youngsters and knew they would face a challenging fixture.

Tamworth started the game strongly and having struggled to create chances in previous games this season they looked much more fluent going forward.  Tom Hancox who looked a threat throughout and duly gave Tamworth the lead when his reverse stick shot thudded into the backboard.  Soon after the visitors extended their lead this time from a penalty corner; Tom Sperrink saw his initial shot blocked but Ben Marshall quickest to react and bundle the ball into the corner, which was just rewards for a confident display from the youngster who was a constant threat on the left wing.  Buxton then hit back with James Miles on hand to make two excellent reflex saves before a well taken strike of their own from a penalty corner gave them a foothold in the game.  Town then saw their two goal scorers combine to restore their two goal advantage on the stroke of half time.  Marshall shielded the ball well before playing in Hancox who dinked the ball over his marker’s stick before finding the narrowest of gaps between the keeper and near post.

Following the half time break the first goal was crucial and unfortunately it went to the visitors as they once again struck from a penalty corner and when they made it 3-3 soon after it looked like Tamworth had thrown away the opportunity but they showed a fighting spirit to come back and claim the victory.  Town saw two shots deflected narrowly over and Sperrink struck the post from close range before they retook the lead with another penalty corner.  Sperrink atoned for his miss with a low strike and Town sealed the victory when Ian Wagstaff struck again from a penalty corner with a drilled shot inside the left post.

Relief the main feeling at the end but Tamworth were indebted to Louis March for stepping up to help the first team and the work rate and mature performances from juniors Jasper Williams, Elliott Birchall and man of the match Ben Marshall.