Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Newtown 1

Tamworth Men’s First XI were rewarded for their long trip to Newtown with a dramatic 3-2 win.  Due to the long journey a number of regular starters were unavailable and Town went with just the bare eleven.  The game then started in ominous fashion as the hosts made the better start and were awarded two penalty corners in the early stages that they were unable to convert.  Tamworth started to gain confidence and broke the deadlock from a penalty corner of their own.  Ian Wagstaff played the ball to the right and when Tom Sperrink’s first time shot hit a defender’s foot on the line Ryan Brisco reacted quickest to knock the ball in on the volley.  This gave the visitors a boost and they soon doubled the lead when after a period of pressure Brisco dribbled across the D and firing a pass which Sperrink deflected onto the near post before the ball ran along the goal line before spinning in.  Tamworth couldn’t capitalise further with Elliott Birchall having a shot blocked and Wagstaff’s drag flick tipped over and were made to pay when Newtown scored twice to make the game all square at 2-2 at half time.

In the second half Newtown were again sharper out of the blocks and Town were indebted to James Miles who was quick off his line and produced some smart saves to keep the game level.  An even contest ensued with both sides battling hard for the ball but neither looking like they would carve out the winning goal.  For Tamworth, Chris Lomas came closest when he drew the keeper out but couldn’t find the gap before the defining moment game in the final minutes.  Under pressure, Ian Wagstaff threw an aerial pass which looked to have evaded the reach of the Tamworth forwards only for the defender to miscontrol and Sperrink pounced, smashing the loose ball into the ground and past the keeper to snatch the three points.  Tamworth then saw out the final stages without any further incidence.

An excellent all round team performance with Jacob Mallinder and Ryan Brisco particularly impressive in midfield along with youngster Elliott Birchall who was tireless in his running all game.