Tamworth Men's Firsts Vs Old Halesonians

Tamworth Men’s First XI lost 2-1 to Old Halesonians at QEMS on Saturday.  Tamworth started the game strongly and had the better of the early exchanges as they looked to use pace out wide to find a way past an organised Old Hales outfit.  As the half wore on the home side were pressed deeper and Tony Banks in goal was on hand to keep out several penalty corners.  Tamworth finally regained their grip on the game in the final 10 minutes of the half and following Tom Beasley and Tom Hancox going close from penalty corners it was Hancox who broke the deadlock with a snap shot at the front post following a cross from Tom Sperrink.

In the second half Tamworth continued to play positively and showed that they are growing into the step up in division this season by playing some of their best possession hockey of the year.  James Goode and Shaun Moore provided an outlet at full back as the back four shifted the ball from wing to wing looking to find gaps in the Old Hales defence.  Unfortunately Old Hales stepped up a level and dominated the middle period of the half, converting a penalty corner with a powerful strike.  Soon after a second followed as they snatched the lead with a deflected strike into the top corner.  Tamworth will be frustrated that they didn’t take their chances in one of the strongest performances so far but will be heartened by the improvements in recent weeks which see them disappointed not to take points from one of the promotion contenders.