Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Redditch

Tamworth Men’s First XI took all 3 points from a 7 goal thriller with fellow newly promoted Redditch at home on Saturday.  The opening game of the season started at a frenetic pace and while Redditch pressed high up the pitch it was Tamworth who had the better of the chances as Tom Sperrink twice spurned one-on-one opportunities.  The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Tom Hancox was released down the right wing and his pinpoint cross to the back post was converted by Sperrink.  Redditch came back at Tamworth and although centre backs Dave Langford and Ben Acheson gave the visitors few chances from open play it was from a set piece they equalised when a well-rehearsed short corner saw the ball deflected in.

In the second half Tamworth regained the lead, with Hancox again feeding Sperrink who turned and struck reverse stick inside the far post.  With both teams battling to secure a win and this saw a series of yellow cards issued, 3 for Redditch players and for Tamworth Brisco and Cook had a short spell on the sidelines.  This time Tamworth consolidated and extended their advantage when Hancox pounced to convert after the Redditch ‘keeper failed to clear a shot.  Redditch continued to pose a threat from short corners and quickly made the score 3-2.  Tamworth then produced the move of the match as a series of one touch passing down the right involving Hancox, James Goode and Andy Herring eventually released Jay Haywood who struck his shot into the bottom corner from a tight angle.  Redditch did score again, predictably from a short corner, with a powerful strike however Tamworth held on to claim the win.