Tottenham Hotspur survived a major scare against National League side Tamworth to progress to the FA Cup fourth round after a gruelling extra-time battle at the Lamb Ground.
In what was a thrilling display of courage and grit, Tamworth, 96 places below Tottenham in English football’s hierarchy, pushed the Premier League side to their limits. Andy Peaks’ part-time squad defended valiantly and even looked the more likely to score during a tense 90 minutes of regular time.
The breakthrough came in the 101st minute, not from Spurs’ star-studded attack but from an unfortunate own goal by Tamworth’s Nathan Tshikuna. This moment of misfortune opened the floodgates, allowing substitute Dejan Kulusevski to produce a stunning strike six minutes later. Brennan Johnson rounded off the scoring in the 118th minute, curling in a third to seal Tottenham’s hard-fought victory.
Tamworth had their moments, especially late in regular time. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky made a crucial save from Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, and a last-minute block from Yves Bissouma denied Tom McGlinchey what would have been a fairytale winner. Goalkeeper Jas Singh, instrumental in their second-round triumph, was once again outstanding, keeping Spurs at bay with a series of excellent saves.
Spurs’ Big Names Make the Difference
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was forced to call on his star players, including Son Heung-min and Kulusevski, to rescue what was fast becoming a nightmarish outing. While the bumpy 3G surface at the Lamb Ground posed challenges, it didn’t excuse Tottenham’s lacklustre first-half performance. Timo Werner struggled to make an impact, and the team’s disorganised defence only fuelled Tamworth’s belief.
Kulusevski’s introduction was pivotal, and his composed low finish was the highlight of an otherwise uninspiring Spurs display. Postecoglou will take solace in the performance of 21-year-old goalkeeper Kinsky, who handled the pressure admirably in just his second competitive match for the club.
Despite the harsh scoreline, Tamworth emerged with immense pride, showcasing their incredible progress under Peaks. Only three years ago, they were battling in the Southern League Central, and this spirited display against top-flight opposition will live long in the memory of their supporters.
Writer’s View
This match was a classic example of FA Cup magic, where a non-league team’s determination and belief can push even the biggest clubs to their limits. While Tottenham ultimately prevailed, their struggles highlighted a reliance on star power to mask deficiencies in depth and focus. For Tamworth, this valiant effort underscores their meteoric rise under Peaks, proving that passion and teamwork can narrow even the widest gaps in football.
