Tamworth prepare to host Everton U21 in a National League Cup group stage match at The Lamb Ground on Tuesday evening. The fixture offers a chance to build momentum after a mixed run of results in the league, which has seen them win two and lose three of their last five matches.
Kelly's side are 18th in the National League, having taken 17 points from their opening 14 matches, a record of five wins, two draws and seven losses. They head into the cup tie on the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Woking on Saturday, a result that followed a convincing 4-1 victory over Scunthorpe United the previous Tuesday. That win over Scunthorpe saw goals from Roberts, Donnelly, McGlinchey and Daire Creaney, contributing to a season total of 25 goals scored, though they have conceded 31 for a negative six goal difference.
Everton U21 arrive in Staffordshire having lost their last two outings, 2-1 away at Shrewsbury Town and 1-0 at Solihull Moors. The young Toffees will provide a different test for a Tamworth defence that has conceded 31 goals in the league this season.
Tamworth's starting lineup for the Scunthorpe win featured Macaulay in goal, with a back four of Handley, Carson, Rye and Parkes. The midfield trio of Carter, Kurtaran and McGlinchey supported attackers Roberts, Kelly and Donnelly. It is not yet clear if manager Kelly will rotate his squad for this cup encounter.
After Tuesday's game, Tamworth's attention returns to the league and a trip to face bottom side Gateshead on Saturday 7 November. The Lambs will be aiming to improve their league position of 18th and close the 24-point gap to leaders Boreham Wood. Their recent form in the league includes a 2-1 loss at Carlisle on Saturday 17 October, a 1-2 home defeat to Barrow, a 1-0 win over Leeds United U21, and a 1-0 victory at Hartlepool.
