Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Pershore 1

Tamworth Men’s First XI fell to a heavy defeat in their season opener, losing 9-2 away to Pershore. Tamworth were missing a number of their squad and having thought they were travelling with the bare eleven were left one short having to start the game with ten men. They made a battling effort but eventually pressure from the hosts told and they found themselves 3-0 down before further disaster struck as Ian Wagstaff sustained a blow to the head late in the half leaving Town with 45 minutes to play with nine men as they faced a daunting prospect but managed to see out the rest of the half without further concession.

The second half proved just as tough and despite conceding a further goal, Tamworth struck back when, having had an earlier effort correctly ruled out for height, Tom Sperrink saw his weak strike from a penalty corner bobble towards goal and somehow sneak in. Pershore came back again to re-establish and  extend their lead but Town continued to show great spirit with Sperrink getting a second when Tom Hancox released him down the right and he lashed his shot inside the near post into the roof of the net. Pershore then capitalised on the tired legs of the visitors, striking three more times in the late stages but Tamworth’s players showed a great amount of fight and pride in difficult circumstances. 

Particular performances to note from Si Cooper on debut who had to play forward, midfield and defence at various stages, youngsters Joe Wood and Ben Thacker who played with maturity and discipline and keeper James Miles who saved this from becoming an even more embarrassing scoreline.

Tamworth face Stafford at home on Saturday, hopefully with 11 players on the pitch