Tottenham Hotspur narrowly avoided an upset against non-league Tamworth, emerging with a 3-0 win after extra time at The Lamb Ground in central England. The Premier League side faced a stern challenge from their fifth-tier opponents in a match that showcased the magic of the FA Cup.
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, ranked 96 places above Tamworth in English football, struggled to impose themselves against a part-time team whose players juggle day jobs alongside football. Tamworth’s spirited display nearly resulted in a historic shock, with Tottenham’s performance leaving much to be desired.
The match began with Tamworth on the front foot, as Beck-Ray Enoru tested Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky with a powerful early strike. The hosts continued to threaten through Tom Tonks’ long throws and close-range efforts, with Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and Tom McGlinchey coming agonizingly close to scoring.
The game remained goalless after 90 minutes, forcing extra time. Tamworth’s resilience was undone in the 101st minute when Nathan Tshikuna’s own goal, following a deflected cross from Brennan Johnson, broke the deadlock. Dejan Kulusevski doubled Spurs’ lead shortly after, and Johnson added a third in the dying moments.
