Tamworth Manager Seeks Further FA Cup Success

Tamworth, managed by Andy Peaks, who recently saw his team promoted and currently holds 15th place in the National League, has stated that a victory against Burton Albion at their home ground, the Pirelli Stadium, in the FA Cup second round, would surpass their first-round triumph over Huddersfield Town. The Lambs gained prominence during live Friday night television coverage when their long-throw expert, Tom Tonks, created a goalkeeping mistake that led to the defeat of the Terriers. The upcoming match is scheduled for a Sunday afternoon in Burton-upon-Trent, located 17 miles north on the A38. The Tamworth manager anticipates that this fixture will again attract significant viewership, particularly since Tonks is confirmed to play after his wife gave birth on Wednesday, alleviating earlier concerns about his potential absence. Peaks shared his thoughts with BBC Midlands Today, stating, “What a great night it was against Huddersfield and a lot of nice memories,” and added, “Until Sunday, when we maybe might get an even better one.” He further commented on the challenge, saying, “It’s a bigger challenge than the last game – to go away and play at a team at this level with their facilities. But they’re not in a great run of form and it’s an opportunity for us.” Peaks concluded his remarks by noting, “Their confidence won’t be too high so, if we play to our capabilities, it’s an opportunity for us to make a name for ourselves again.” While Burton currently occupies a difficult position at the bottom of League One, Tamworth, positioned 15th in the National League, must contend with its own inconsistent away performances. This season, they have struggled away from The Lamb, having been defeated in all three of their recent away fixtures over the past two months, specifically against Halifax, Southend, and Oldham. Burton concluded a sequence of eight consecutive losses, a period that resulted in the departure of former manager Mark Robinson, by narrowly defeating National League North team Scarborough Athletic in the preceding round. Subsequently, under the guidance of caretaker manager Tom Hounsell, they have achieved two additional victories, moving away from the bottom of the League One standings by overcoming Shrewsbury Town, and also securing a 5-2 win against Northampton in the EFL Trophy. However, they have now experienced two consecutive defeats, and following Shrewsbury’s remarkable 3-2 home victory against Birmingham City last Saturday, the Brewers have once again fallen to the bottom of the table. Tamworth previously defeated Burton 2-1 when the teams met in the first round at the Pirelli Stadium in November 2006, a time when both clubs competed in the Conference league. Peaks remarked, “A lot of people have sent me videos of that one,” and concluded, “So we’ve got a lot to live up to.” Nevertheless, Burton leveled the score almost a year later when the two teams were drawn together in the fourth qualifying round, with the Brewers emerging as 2-1 victors on that occasion. Peaks expresses the same level of enthusiasm for Sunday’s fixture as he did for the match against Huddersfield. He recounted, “I listened to the draw in my local pub in Kettering,” adding, “Kettering were in it as well and I was hoping I wasn’t to get them away. There are certainly clubs I’d have liked, ideally at The Lamb. But I knew when it came out as Burton away it would be a massive attraction locally.” Peaks further emphasized the significance of the competition, stating, “And, if you’re not up for an FA Cup tie, then you shouldn’t be in this game.” After Sunday’s match, scheduled for 14:00 GMT, the draw for the third round will be conducted on Monday evening at 19:00 GMT. This event will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, originating from Old Trafford, the home stadium of the current FA Cup champions, Manchester United.