Tamworth to face the big boys

Tamworth have done it tough on their way to the FA Cup third round and a dream tie away at Everton.

A trip to Goodison Park was Tamworth’s reward for the never-say-die spirit displayed in the earlier rounds.  Marcus Law’s men needed last-minute goals in each of their three games so far.

They were drawn away at Hinckley United in the first round and looked to be heading out going into the dying seconds. The game only came alive in the latter stages.

Hinckley took the lead with 12 minutes remaining, only for Tamworth to peg them back from the spot. The home side looked to have nicked it with two minutes remaining, but Tamworth weren’t done yet. They equalised in the dying seconds to take the tie to a replay. Tamworth won the replay with the only goal of the game in the 90th minute. Those placing in-play FA cup bets will have been impressed.

Tamworth travelled to Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Gateshead in the second round. They looked to be heading for another replay with the two sides locked at 1-1 heading into injury-time. Again, Tamworth struck late to put themselves in the hat for the third round draw.

Tamworth’s form has declined since their dramatic late victory at Gateshead, with perhaps one eye on their trip to Goodison. They have lost all three since their FA Cup win at the start of December and head into the festive period 14th in the table.

It is not ideal preparation for a trip to one of the Premier League big boys, but FA Cup ties don’t go to the form book. Tamworth have already shown enough spirit in the competition to suggest they will give Everton a run for their money.