Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Stafford 1

Tamworth Men’s First XI continued their losing streak as they stayed rooted to the foot of the table following a 6-3 defeat at second placed Stafford.  Tamworth came flying out the blocks and took an early lead from a penalty corner when Ian Wagstaff collected the rebound off the keeper from his shot before smashing into the backboard to give Town a shock advantage.  Stafford came roaring back and equalised minutes later from a penalty flick before the game then settling into the hosts dominating possession and territory and Town aiming to strike on the counter attack.  As the game wore on Stafford’s pressure told and they took the lead only for Tamworth to strike again from a penalty corner with Tom Sperrink skewing his shot across goal, Ross Dillon directed the ball towards goal and Ryan Brisco forced the equaliser over the line in a goalmouth scramble.  Stafford hit back again and this time took a commanding lead as they scored twice in quick succession to lead 4-2 at the break.

In the second half Tamworth knew the next goal would be crucial but their defensive troubles continued as Stafford extended their lead further and the game seemed to be petering out before a flurry of cards for both sides saw both sides lose players to the sin bin.  Stafford added a sixth before Town grabbed a consolation goal.  Again it was a penalty corner but a different scorer again as Tom Hancox brought down a rebound and shot high into the net despite the best efforts of the keeper and defender on the line.

Tamworth face a crucial game at home to Khalsa Leamington, who are 3 places and 7 points ahead, if they are to keep another team within reach.