Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Shrewsbury 1

Tamworth Men's First XI were narrowly beaten 3-2 at home to Shrewsbury in a closely fought contest.  Tamworth were keen to build on the performance if not the result of the previous week and started the game brightly and creating chances with Ryan Brisco going close with a deflected effort at the far post which slipped wide of the post.  Despite the early opportunities Town didn't find the crucial breakthrough and this allowed this visitors to work their way into the game and build pressure on the Town defence.  This eventually told as a penalty flick was awarded and converted after a foot block on the line.  This only served to boost Shrewsbury who pushed to extend their lead, with Tamworth indebted to James Miles in goal for a series of fine saves as he was called into action repeatedly.  Tamworth came back late in the half with Tom Hancox shooting narrowly wide with a reverse stick effort to end the half positively.

After the break Shrewsbury had the greater possession but it was Tamworth who struck back.  Simon Cooper played a through ball from the right and Ben Popple stole in ahead of the defender before lifting his shot over the onrushing keeper.  The game didn't remain level for long though as Shrewsbury struck again to regain the lead.  The game became rather scrappy with no team stamping their authority but it was Tamworth who would score next when a pass from the right fell to Tom Sperrink whose scuffed shot squirmed through the keepers legs and trickled over the line.  Unfortunately Tamworth couldn't hold onto what would have been a valuable point with Shrewsbury scoring from a penalty corner with ten minutes to go and Town unable to create any further chances.

Tamworth travel to Bournville on Saturday, the only team below them, knowing this is a must win game in order to ensure they remain in the fight to avoid relegation