Tamworth manager Andy Peaks said he was immensely proud of his players after the fifth-tier team to Tottenham to extra time in the FA Cup.
The lowest-ranked team in the third round came close to causing a giant upset, after frustrating their Premier League visitors at The Lamb Ground.
A huge 96 places separate the sides in English football’s pyramid but Tamworth forced the tie into extra time before eventually falling to a 3-0 defeat. Spurs were poor and struggled to find their rhythm on the plastic pitch, while Tamworth’s long throws and disciplined defensive shape caused issues.
4 – Tottenham are only the fourth Premier League side (from 92-93) to be taken to extra-time in an FA Cup game against a non-league club, after Leicester v Hereford in 99-00, Charlton v Dagenham and Redbridge in 00-01, and West Ham v Kidderminster in 21-22. Precarious. pic.twitter.com/joGyaAWfDX
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 12, 2025
The deadlock was eventually broken in the added period when Nathan Tshikuna turned into his own goal, before Spurs’ wrapped up the game through Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson.
It was just the fourth time in the Premier League era that a non-league side has taken a top-tier team to extra time in the FA Cup. Peaks, whose squad are part-time players, beamed with pride at the full-time whistle.
“Be disappointed because we were that close to causing a massive upset, but equally be massively proud,” Tamworth boss Andy Peaks said speaking to ITV.
“Everyone put a shift in and when you look at the team we were up against, it was unbelievable from our boys – I am so proud of them.
“We had chances, the keeper made saves but what was brilliant is we were in the game right till the end.
“We knew it was going to be tough. I wanted people to see what we were about, and I think we have done that.
“I wanted to come here and talk to you guys and be proud of what I have seen – I am immensely proud.
“To get a home draw was better. The chance we had to level it was them coming here. They have been so respectful and to bring a team like that says a lot.
“I cannot knock them.”
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