Nathan Tshikuna's late strike was a mere consolation as Tamworth fell to a 3-1 defeat at Southend United on Tuesday night. The loss is Tamworth's third in a row in the National League, leaving them 22nd in the table with just five points from eight games. They have now taken only one point from the last 15 available, a run of form that includes four defeats and one draw.
Southend took control after the hour mark. Leon Chambers-Parillon opened the scoring on the hour, before Promise Omochere headed in a second eight minutes later. Tshikuna gave Tamworth hope with a superb individual effort in the 70th minute, turning Omochere before firing into the top corner. But Southend substitute Sam Austin sealed the points eight minutes from time with a powerful finish.
Southend manager Kieron Dyer said a quadruple half-time substitution helped his side surge to the win. Tamworth had chances of their own, with Ryan Howley going close before the break and goalkeeper Jasbir Singh making several saves. Singh was kept busy as Tamworth have now conceded 22 goals this season, the second-worst defensive record in the division.
The result extends a difficult run for Tamworth, whose recent form reads four losses and one draw from their last five matches. Attention now turns to a key home fixture against Wealdstone this Saturday. Wealdstone sit 19th, three points ahead of Tamworth, making it a significant opportunity to halt the slide. Tamworth's next fixture is at home to Wealdstone on Saturday, September 28th.
More detail at Southend United Football Club
