Lambs Spring Towards Play Offs - Tamworth vs. AFC Flyde

Spring time weather in the Midlands

So after missing out on a game at Arundel the previous weekend, the weather decided to continue with my plans in what is likely to be my penultimate weekend of watching football this season. Torrential rain overnight in the south east put my first choice of Maldon and Tiptree out of commission and so I opted for Tamworth vs. AFC Fylde where they were sure the game would go ahead. This was my second game in The Conference North this year after seeing Corby host Gainsborough a couple of months ago. This was a vital game for both sides with Fylde looking to make mathematically sure of their place in the play offs while Tamworth needed a win to have any chance of joining them. The only time I'd seen either side before was in Fylde's previous incarnation as Kirkham & Wesham in The FA Vase at Wembley against Lowestoft. The reverse fixture ended in a two all draw back in September.

Main stand without hail

Tamworth cause early panic in the Fylde box with a dangerous cross into the area which the keeper just about claims. The Tamworth midfield then lets the Fylde centre midfielder come a long way with the ball but the home keeper is equal to the shot. Tamworth are allowed in on goal as the Fylde defence lets a long ball forward bounce and fortunately for the visitors the chipped effort doesn't cause any serious alarm. Then just before the heavens open, Tamworth take the lead with an excellent goal. Following a quick throw, the winger drives in on goal and he fires a great low shot past the keeper. The heavy hail seriously disrupts the flow of the game and there are no more chances of note before half time. 

The Fylde defence battles the elements as well as the Tamworth forwards

Tamworth catch Fylde on the break at the start of the second half and the Fylde keeper makes a great save to keep his side level. Fylde then win a free kick on the corner of the area which finds the man in the area who is fouled and the referee awards a penalty to the away side. The penalty is lashed straight down the middle to level the scores. They aren't level for long as Tamworth soon regain the lead. The ball is played over the top of the Fylde defence and the Tamworth attacker is able to control the ball and angle his shot across the keeper into the far corner. They make sure of the points as the right winger is played into space and he is able to find his team mate completely alone at the back post and he slides in the third goal. Fylde still look for a way back into the game and the Tamworth keeper makes a great save to tip over a shot from the area and this is the last real chance of the game.

Covered stand down one side of the pitch

Trains to Tamworth depart from Euston and the journey takes an hour and forty minutes. The London Midlands trains are considerably cheaper than The Virgin ones although they are of course slower. In terms of consistency in quality of pubs, Tamworth has been the best place so far this season. Closest to the station is The Kings Ditch which is a fantastic micro pub with an incredible selection of ales and ciders. Then a short walk down the road is The Sir Robert Peel which as well as a choice of ales also had an extensive range of bottled beers. Then finally a short walk from the market place is The Market Vaults which has a variety of ales as well as the sports channels for the lunch time kick off. The Lamb is then a ten minute walk away which is mostly spent negating the succession of roundabouts. The clubhouse has the usual selection of drinks and I fully recommend the hot dogs.

The Fylde keeper keeps out a second half shot

 The Tamworth YouTube channel has highlight of the game which you can watch here.

The next band of rain rolls in