Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Old Halesonians 2

Tamworth Men's First XI slipped to a 4-0 defeat at home to table topping Old Halesonians 2nd XI on Saturday.  Tamworth welcomed the return of Ben Popple to bolster the attack and James Griffin in defence but knew they would be facing a tough task against a side with a 100% winning record from the opening three fixtures.  So it proved as Old Hales made a strong start with a goal in the opening 10 minutes from a well struck penalty corner strike.  This would prove to be a theme throughout the game with Tamworth competing well in defence and midfield but facing a well drilled set piece routine.  So it followed with Old Hales striking again from another penalty corner midway through the half.  Town were moving the ball well when in possession at the back but struggling to break a high press although they did find some fluency towards the end of the first half as they had opportunities of their own from penalty corners that they could not convert only to see the visitors go to the other end and convert another penalty corner of their own to extend their lead further.

At the break the message from captain Ben Acton was to be more positive and cut out the basic mistakes which the team seemed to take on board as they showed a greater mettle in defence and began to show more fluency in attack.  Unfortunately for Town they still struggled to carve out enough clear cut chances against a resolute visitors defence with the exception a well worked move down the right which saw the keeper make a series of excellent close range saves.  Tamworth continued to push and saw a couple more penalty corner efforts blocked before Old Hales put the game out of sight with a well worked goal from open play.

Tamworth will be disappointed with the scoreline but take positives from the overall display against a well organised opponent who were utlimately more clinical in front of goal.  Town travel to bottom of the table Edgbaston 3rds on Saturday looking to kick start their league campaign and move up a congested table.