A thrilling five-goal contest at the VBS Community Stadium saw Tamworth narrowly defeat Sutton United in a match that highlighted the National League’s inherent unpredictability. Both teams demonstrated attacking ambition from the opening whistle.
Tamworth took the lead in the 12th minute when Joe Riley successfully converted a penalty. Just eight minutes later, Tyler Roberts extended Tamworth’s advantage, with Tom Tonks providing the assist.
Sutton United responded swiftly. Lewis Simper reduced the deficit in the 28th minute, Jayden Harris credited with the assist. Simper then completed his brace in the 37th minute, assisted by Edon Pruti, levelling the score for the home side.
However, Tamworth were quick to regain the lead. A minute after Sutton’s equaliser, Manny Duku, assisted by Tyler Roberts, made it 2-3, a scoreline that would ultimately prove decisive.
In the second half, Sutton United sought to revitalise their attack with a triple substitution in the 64th minute, introducing David Ogbonna, Junior Eccleston, and Dillon De Silva. Tamworth responded in the 71st minute, bringing on Ben Milnes and Thomas McGlinchey to reinforce their midfield. Both sides continued to make further changes as the game progressed, each striving to either protect their lead or find an equalising goal.
Despite their efforts, Sutton United were unable to breach Tamworth’s defence, and the visitors secured a valuable three points. The match also saw a number of cautions, with Jack Sims and Jack Wadham of Sutton United, and Tyler Roberts, Joseph Rye, and Kennedy Digie of Tamworth all receiving yellow cards.
Following this result, Tamworth climb to 10th in the league standings with 13 points, while Sutton United remain in 22nd place with 5 points.