Tamworth's FA Cup campaign is over after a 2-1 defeat at Carlisle United in the fourth qualifying round. Manager Andy Peaks was left to rue a slow start that saw his side concede twice in the first half at Brunton Park on Saturday.
Regan Linney's brace for the hosts put Carlisle in firm control before the break. Tamworth, who sit 18th in the National League with 14 points from 13 games, improved after the interval and pulled a goal back early in the second half through Riccardo Calder's header. The visitors also struck the woodwork twice but could not find an equaliser.
Peaks' assessment
Peaks was blunt in his analysis of the opening period. "We were nowhere near at the races," the Tamworth boss said. He suggested the long journey north and a late meal the night before may have contributed to a sluggish opening. "We knew when the draw was made that it was going to be a tough tie, it's a long way to come against a good team with massive resources," he added.
The manager believed his side missed a chance to capitalise on any home nerves. "We know they're vulnerable at the moment, they've conceded some goals and they've got some nervousness in the group," Peaks explained. "So we wanted to start well, and we didn't, we did the complete opposite."
Second-half response
Despite the disappointment, Peaks took pride in the second-half response. "It just didn't quite happen." he said.
With their cup run ended, attention turns squarely to the league. Tamworth must now focus on securing their National League status, a task that continues with a trip to face bottom-placed Gateshead this coming Friday. Peaks was clear on the priority. "The league's the priority. We've done really well to have some unbelievable cup runs and those memories stick with you." he stated. "We've given a half decent account of ourselves. We're disappointed, it's done and dusted but it's all about the league now."
The defeat at Carlisle was Tamworth's second consecutive loss, following a 2-1 home defeat to Barrow in the league. The team has conceded 30 goals this season, a defensive record they will need to tighten as they look to climb away from the lower reaches of the standings. Their next challenge is against a Gateshead side who are six points adrift at the foot of the table. Tamworth's recent form shows they have lost three of their last five league games, conceding 10 goals in that period. The team's next fixture is a key one, away at Gateshead on Friday night, as they aim to improve on their average of 1.08 points per game this season.
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Carlisle United head coach Rob Elliot made six changes to his side for the FA Cup tie. Elliot handed a home debut to Kenton Richardson and a first start to Tom Anderson, while Callum Whelan captained the Blues. Archie Mair started in goal. Tamworth, 18th in the National League with 14 points from 13 games, saw Kieren Donnelly hit the post in their second-half rally. The attendance at Brunton Park was 2,708, with 97 away supporters.
Manager Andy Peaks confirmed Tamworth's focus is now solely on the league after their FA Cup exit. "It's all about the league now," Peaks said. The club, 18th in the National League with 14 points, has lost its last two matches. They face bottom-placed Gateshead next on October 23.
Carlisle United head coach Rob Elliot said he wants his side to face the strongest possible opponent in the FA Cup first round. Elliot said he would prefer to draw a top League One side like Leicester City or Sheffield Wednesday. "I think we've got to go and test ourselves against the best," Elliot said. The Blues, who have won three of their last five games, progressed with a 2-1 win over Tamworth on October 17. Tamworth, 18th in the National League with 14 points, next face bottom-placed Gateshead on October 23.
Carlisle United defender Kenton Richardson said he was delighted to make his full debut in the 2-1 FA Cup win over Tamworth. "I was absolutely buzzing. I've had that hunger to play," Richardson said. Carlisle manager Rob Elliot confirmed he wants his side to face the biggest club possible in Monday's first round draw. Tamworth, 18th in the National League with 14 points, next face bottom-placed Gateshead on October 23.
