Tamworth v Grimsby Preview

By: Alex Green
Date: 10/09/2010

THE Mariners travel to the middle of middle England in an effort to maintain their rather wonderful form by bagging a win against little old Tamworth.

The History

The club was formed in 1933 after a couple of attempts to establish a club in the town had failed. They found their home at The Lamb Ground a year later where they started in the Birmingham Combination league before joining West Midlands League. During the 60’s the club was very successful in this league and its cup competitions and in 1972 the club were promoted to the Southern League. The club won the FA Vase in 1989 after a replay at London Road a huge success for such a small club but their biggest achievement was in 2003 when the club gained promotion to the Conference. Though Tamworth were only saved from relegation in 2006 by Canvay Island dropping out the league the club has continued to maintain its position even with its small attendances.

Last Season

The club avoided relegation before the end of the season in one of the tightest battles seen in the conference for years. 6 teams on the last day of the season could have been relegated in the last 2 places available. Fortunately for Tamworth good draws against Luton and York and wins against AFC Wimbledon and Forest Green secured the club its position and helped them avoid the awful carnage on the last day.

This Season

It couldn't have gone much better for the club so far. If you look just below us in the league their they are one point behind with a better goal difference. Impressive wins against Luton Eastbourne and last Saturday away at Mansfield mean the team are pushing for promotion early on. The only down point of the season so far was a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at run away leaders Wimbledon aside from that the club deserves more attention from the local community than they are currently receiving.

Key Player

Local lad Kyle Perry started his career at Walsall before moving to Telford where he started making a name for himself nearly averaging a goal every two games. The 24 year old had several clubs after his two years at Telford. Hednesford Willenhall Town, Chasetown and Port Vale all had the mans services within a year not too much success, scoring no goals at all in his 31 appearances for Vale. After a season at Mansfield with 9 goals for 40 appearances he eventually moved closer to home and has started rather well. A goal on his league debut against Eastbourne was followed up by the opening goal against Luton and then saved Tamworth a point with 2 goals at Kidderminster a few days later. It seems to be that he has found his feet and hopefully now he has settles down Perry may find the form he had at Telford but not till next week hopefully.

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