Tamworth progressed to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup at the expense of Leiston at the weekend in atrocious conditions throughout. The Blues welcomed back Seb Dunbar into the starting eleven, with Joe Marsden back on the bench after both players missed last weeks win at home to Hednesford Town. Dylan Switters returned to the squad also after being out injured for the last three weeks.

Leiston had an excellent chance early on in the 9th minute as Adam Mills capitalised on a bad mistake at the back and he laid the ball to George Quantrell who forced Jasbir Singh into a good save to his left. Mills worked the keeper a few minutes later but Tamworth, with the wind in their favour, started to dominate possession and took the lead on 18 minutes as Dan Creaney poked the ball home after good work on the left hand flank.
Will Davies had a chance after good work by Seb Dunbar but he shot straight at Singh. Tamworth then missed a guilt edge chance but Jack Thomas somehow missed with the goal at his mercy. Leiston battled hard and defended well and restricted Tamworth to any clear cut chances before the interval.

The second period began with Sam Donkin thwarting Thomas after Jamie Eaton-Collins blocked well. On 57 minutes though, Finlay Barnes crossed to Adam Mills who fired past Singh to equalise. But just eight minutes later, Tyrelle Waite put the away side in front, sliding the ball under the hand of Donkin as Tamworth worked a move down the right hand side, cutting out centre backs Jake Hutchings and Siju Odelusi in the process. Adam Mills was sent off for two bookable challenges soon after, the second a harsh yellow card after going for a 50/50 ball with the goalkeeper. This deflated the Blues a little but it was an even game chances wise from then on. The Blues sent numerous balls into the area but a couple of attempts from Will Davies were easily saved. However, in the fourth and final minute of injury time, sub Michael Taylor couldn’t miss after a delivery from the right and slotted into the middle of the Sam Donkin’s net to send the ‘Lambs’ home into the 4th Round Qualifying draw on Monday afternoon.
Leiston can now look forward to a Southern League Cup tie at home to Lowestoft Town on Tuesday night before making the long trip to Alvechurch next weekend. The Blues then host two successive league games in the form of St Ives Town and Barwell respectively.

Line-ups: -

Leiston: - Donkin, Eaton-Collins (Marsden 51 mins), Dunbar, Eagle (Adam Bailey-Dennis 75 mins), Odelusi, Hutchings, Barnes, Quantrell, Davies, Hunter (Ocran 77 mins), Mills. Subs not used: - Saunders, Switters, Podd (GK).

Tamworth: - Singh, Yeomans, Wilder, Beswick, Pendley, Brown, Waite (Taylor 90 mins), Forde, Creaney, Thomas (Riley 72 mins) Walters (Tait-Moran 67 mins) Subs not used: - Concannon, Clement, Fallows (GK).

Match Sponsors Whip Street Motors Man Of The Match: - Seb Dunbar.

Attendance: - 225.