Tamworth and Braintree Town contested a thrilling six-goal match at The Lamb Ground, with Tamworth ultimately securing a crucial victory in a game marked by relentless attacking football and fluctuating fortunes.
Braintree Town struck first, Jermaine Francis putting the visitors ahead in the 7th minute, courtesy of an assist from Ryan Clampin. Tamworth responded swiftly, Beck-Ray Enoru levelling the score in the 17th minute, assisted by Jordan Ponticelli. The home side then took the lead just three minutes later, with Ponticelli finding the net, this time with Enoru providing the assist. The frenetic pace continued as Braintree Town were awarded a penalty, which John Akinde converted in the 25th minute, restoring parity.
Tamworth regained the lead shortly before half-time. Thomas McGlinchey scored in the 47th minute, giving the hosts a narrow advantage going into the interval. Earlier, in the 52nd minute, Luke Fairlamb replaced Callum Cockerill-Mollett for Tamworth.
The second half, though less prolific in terms of goals, maintained the intensity of the first. Matthias Curley received a yellow card for Tamworth in the 51st minute, and George Langston of Braintree Town followed suit in the 57th minute. Tamworth’s Dan Creaney was also shown a yellow card in the 63rd minute. Both teams made tactical substitutions throughout the second half, attempting to influence the match.
The game remained finely balanced until the final moments. In the 95th minute, Dan Creaney sealed the victory for Tamworth, assisted by Kai Williams, who had been introduced as a substitute seven minutes prior.
The result lifts Tamworth to 10th place in the National League standings with 60 points from 42 games. Braintree Town remain in 18th position with 51 points, also from 42 games. This victory provides a significant boost to Tamworth’s ambitions, while Braintree Town will need to regroup quickly to avoid being drawn further into the relegation conversation.