Magic of the cup on display in Burton
Burton Albion 1 - 1 Tamworth (Tamworth won 4-3 on penalties)
National League side Tamworth stunned League One strugglers Burton Albion by knocking them out of the FA Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Pirelli Stadium.
Lambs goalkeeper Jas Singh was the hero in the shootout, saving efforts from Danilo Orsi and Ben Whitfield to give the non-league underdogs the edge. Haydn Hollis then calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal a memorable upset.
After a goalless 90 minutes in the second-round tie, the game burst into life in extra time. Mason Bennett’s deflected strike gave Albion the lead, but Ronan Maher levelled for Tamworth, reacting quickly to slot home after Max Crocombe had parried Tom McGlinchey’s effort.
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Singh was pivotal throughout, making key saves to deny Albion’s Billy Bodin either side of half-time in a match that offered few clear-cut chances. Despite dominating possession, Burton couldn’t break down Tamworth’s resolute defence.
Whitfield came close to putting Burton ahead with an audacious lob from the halfway line, narrowly missing the target as Singh scrambled back. Substitute Bennett also threatened, his snapshot on the turn requiring a double save from Singh on the line.
At the other end, Tamworth nearly snatched victory in normal time when Ben Milnes’ curling effort was expertly stopped by Crocombe at the far post, forcing extra time and eventually penalties.
Tamworth’s resilience and Singh’s heroics will see them take their place in the third round, while Burton are left to rue missed opportunities and a potential money-spinning match against a Premier League side.
