Tamworth

E-mail Article Print this story

Related Links

• Teams
• Mansfield Town
• Tamworth

Mansfield Town 0-1 Tamworth

Ben Wilkinson's 30th-minute goal was enough to displace Mansfield Town from the top of the league table as Tamworth ran out 1-0 winners at Field Mill on Saturday.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the home side as the Lambs defended resolutely and stifled their opposition's play.

Mansfield goalkeeper Alan Marriott was called into action first as he easily dealt with an early Tamworth free kick before Lambs goalkeeper Ross Atkins was forced to clear a tricky backpass from Michael Wylde.

The home side's form picked up as the match wore on with Paul Connor and Gary Mills both trying their luck from distance before Atkins made a good save to his right from a well-placed Keigan Parker header.

At the other end Marshall tested Marriott with an effort that dropped just under the crossbar before Wilkinson found a way past the stopper on the half-hour mark.

Danny Thomas was allowed to break down the left unchallenged after some poor defending before cutting the ball back across goal for the waiting Wilkinson to fire home from the edge of the box via a deflection.

Tamworth have Jay Smith to thank for protecting their slender lead on 36 minutes as he tackled Parker seconds before releasing an unmarked Briscoe with the goal at his mercy.

Mansfield upped the tempo in the second half as they went in search of an equaliser.

Atkins denied Briscoe after some good work from Connor from a corner as Medley's drilled effort was straight at the keeper.

With the hosts pushing forward, Sheridan came close to making it two just 10 minutes from time. Perry released the player down the flank but his finish was wide of Marriott and the far post.

Perry too had chances to settle the tie late on but he couldn't keep his header on target before blasting wide unchallenged.

But the last piece of action came at the other end as Atkins punched clear Duffy's goalward headed touch with Connor desperately close to getting his head to the ball.

Mansfield bookings: None.

Tamworth bookings: Wilkinson, Perry.

Ref: Scott Duncan.

Att: 2516.