Tamworth secured a dramatic late victory over Worthing at The Lamb Ground in a match that will be remembered for its sheer entertainment value and fluctuating fortunes. The home side, Tamworth, emerged 3-2 winners after a contest that swung back and forth, ultimately decided in the dying embers of the game.
Worthing took the lead in the 44th minute through Jack Wadham, who converted a chance set up by Teddy Jenks. The goal came against the run of play, with Tamworth having enjoyed periods of possession but failing to convert their pressure into clear-cut opportunities. The half ended with Worthing holding a slender advantage.
The second half saw Tamworth emerge with renewed vigour. Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Dan Creaney found the net, assisted by Ben Milnes, levelling the score at 1-1. The momentum appeared to be with the home side, but Worthing, demonstrating their own resilience, reclaimed the lead in the 72nd minute. Jose Marquez, a substitute who had entered the fray in the 58th minute, scored Worthing’s second goal, again with Teddy Jenks providing the assist.
The complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the final stages. Jack Wadham, who had opened the scoring for Worthing, received his second yellow card in the 74th minute, reducing the visitors to ten men. This proved to be a pivotal moment. Tamworth, sensing an opportunity, pushed forward. Their efforts were rewarded deep into added time. In the 94th minute, Nathan Tshikuna, who had been introduced as a substitute in the 80th minute, calmly converted a penalty, drawing Tamworth level at 2-2.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Tamworth conjured a winner in the 98th minute. Morgan Roberts, another substitute also brought on in the 80th minute, found the back of the net, with Riccardo Calder, a substitute in the 87th minute, providing the assist. This late strike sealed a remarkable comeback for Tamworth and condemned Worthing to a heartbreaking defeat.
The match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of the National League, with both sides contributing to a pulsating encounter. Tamworth, who started the day in 22nd place with one point from their opening three matches, will be buoyed by this victory, which moves them up to 17th in the table with four points. Worthing, who began the fixture in a strong seventh position with six points, will be disappointed to have let a lead slip, particularly in the closing moments, and drop to 13th place with six points.
