FA Cup delight for Tamworth fans - despite the result

Jan 8 2012 by Christina Savvas, Sunday Mercury

IT wasn’t the result they wanted, the score they’d prayed for, the fairytale romance of the FA Cup.

But the rush of excitement in the market town of Tamworth was palpable as their local heroes dared to dream on Merseyside.

People in the town hailed yesterday afternoon’s match an historic occasion as the non-league outfit took on Premiership giants Everton in the third round of the cup.

And despite going 1-0 down after five minutes at Goodison Park, it took a goal-line clearance and a penalty to finally dash Tamworth’s hopes of earning at least an unlikely replay.

One of the clubs more well-known fans is former player Cliff Wallbank, who played for the side from 1957 to 1961.

The 72-year-old, who travelled to Goodison by train with son Lee, said: “It was a fantastic occasion for Tamworth, the biggest match since they got to Wembley, which I also went to.

“This had been a long time coming and may not happen again. They did us proud.”

Son Lee, 37, added: “It’s been a little bit of history both for the club and the town.”

Season ticket holder Tim Asson went to the match with sons Matthew, aged six and James, aged nine.

The 38-year logistics supervisor, said: “It’s fantastic, the biggest match since Wembley in 1989.

“It was a dream come true to see Tamworth play a Premiership side in a competitive match, not just a friendly.

“Just being part of it was amazing, anything more would have been a bonus. I’m Tamworth-born and bred and have always supported my local club. This was the biggest game for my boys.