TUESDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2008

VAUXHALL MOTORS 1 v 3 TAMWORTH

BLUE SQUARE NORTH

Having been on the Blue Square North road for over six weeks since their last home league outing, Motors were hoping to build upon the recent performances at Hinckley, Altrincham and Solihull on their return to Rivacre Park – sadly it was not to be, as they fell deeper into relegation trouble at the hands of a lively Tamworth side, who belied their league standing

After a bright start to the proceedings, the Lambs carved out a number of openings and their Nick Wright was particularly unlucky with his glancing header, which came back off the far post.  On the half hour, it took a superb save from Lloyd Rigby to deny a stunning volley from John Richter – but the visitors only had to wait a further sixty seconds before going into a deserved lead, when Wright nipped in to convert a simple cross from close in.

Just before the break both keepers excelled as first Alex Cisak palmed away a shot from Paul Taylor when he was put through and moments later, Rigby thwarted Wright at his near post with his legs.

One hoped the Motormen would steel themselves for an improved second half, but disaster struck less than a minute after the restart when Gareth Sheldon caught the home defence completely asleep before crossing from the left for Wright to stroke home his second of the night – and leaving Motors with a mountain to climb.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the Lambs went further ahead on 69 minutes when a fiercely struck cross was converted close in by Colin Marrison off his knee.  Moments later. Peter Heler was brought down inside the visitors area and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.  Tom Field confidently converting from twelve yards to reduce the arrears and signal a high-pressure ten-minute assault on the visitors goal, but without further reward despite one almighty scramble in front of goal.

It wasn’t until the 90th minute that Motors genuinely went close to netting when Field hit a stunning drive just over the angle of bar and post – but by then it was all but over.

Vauxhall: Rigby, Owens (12. Hitchen 53), Dames, Field, Robinson, Williams, Heler, Griffiths (14. Holmes 80), Reed, Smith, Taylor.  Sub not used: 15. Roberts, 17. Murphy.