Match Preview – Ives v Tamworth

It’s the penultimate home game of the season on Saturday for St Ives Town as they welcome Tamworth to the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road.

It promises to be some game as the match has huge importance for both sides.  Tamworth arrive in second place having lost out on top spot to Coalville Town last week.  Coalville, who beat St Ives last Saturday are now five points clear at the top having played the same amount of games as Tamworth.  So, the Lambs will be desperately looking to win to keep in touch.  St Ives meanwhile are desperately looking for a win to pull away from trouble.  Only three points now separate them from Kings Langley, who occupy the final relegation berth.  Two of the bottom four places have already been decided with Hednesford and AFC Rushden & Diamonds already relegated.  Bedford, Kings Langley, Ives, Stratford, Basford, Needham Market and Bromsgrove are all still in the dog fight to stay up.

The Ives go into the game looking to replicate the same level of performance as last Saturday.  Despite being beaten 3-1 by Coalville, the Ives put in a fine performance that on another day would have yielded at least a point.  Manager Ricky Marheineke has an injury concern over Jordan Williams.  If he doesn’t make it, then Ben Toseland could come in and partner Michael Richens at the heart of the defence.  Elsewhere, midfielder Myles Cowling could be available again after missing recent games with injury.

INTRODUCING TAMWORTH

On paper, it looks like an away victory for Tamworth.  But, recent results for the Lambs have pointed to a bit of a wobble as the season enters the final straight.  Their last three league games have seen a home defeat against Needham Market, a win at Royston and a 2-2 draw last week at bottom side AFC Rushden & Diamonds.  Results that point to a drop in form at the crucial business end of the season.  They have Stratford, Leiston and Redditch still to play in a season that has seen them lose on only six occasions.

LAST SEASON AT WESTWOOD ROAD

11 September 2021: St Ives Town 1 Tamworth 2

The Ives were on the wrong end of an early season 2-1 defeat.  Goals from Aaron Forde and James Kellerman set-up the victory for the Lambs.  Nabil Shariff pulled one back in the last minute to set-up a grandstand finish, but it was the visitors who secured all three points.

OTHER GAMES ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY IN THE BATTLE TO BEAT THE DROP

BEDFORD v Redditch (Friday)

Alvechurch v NEEDHAM MARKET (Friday)

Coalville v BROMSGROVE

Nuneaton v KINGS LANGLEY

Rushall Olympic v BASFORD

STRATFORD v Mickleover

SPECIAL OFFER ON PRE-MATCH DRINKS IN THE CLUBHOUSE

Don’t forget that tomorrow there will be a special pre-match offer on all pints and beers in the clubhouse.  They will be priced at £2.50 between 1:00pm and 2:15pm so make sure you arrive early and take advantage of this offer.

ADMISSION PRICES:

As with the Colville game last Saturday, another big crowd is expected to the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road.  So make you sure you are there to give the boys that extra lift and cheer them onto a crucial three points.  The admission prices are:

Adults – £11

Concessions (Over 65) £8

Military Discount (with ID Card) – £5

Students (With ID Card) – £5

U16’s to 12 – £2

U12’s – Free (Accompanied with an adult)

If you cannot make it to the game, then there will be updates on social media throughout the afternoon with a match report available on the website and highlights and post-match on the club YouTube channel over the weekend.  Kick-off at the Quattro-Tech Westwood Road is at 3:00pm.