In two shakes of the Lambs’ tail, here’s the up-and-down story of how Boro’ fared against the team from Tamworth over the years. Not quite a bogey team for us, the Staffordshire side did have their moments at our expense. Then again, we returned the favour too. At worst, we can probably get away with saying they were a frustrating opponent; one that came to define the various highs and lows that we experienced during the mid- and late-2000s.
Our first meeting against Tamworth was a rude awakening for us in February 2004 – and the Lambs never made life easy for us. Our first-ever encounter – that FA Trophy Round Three tie – ended 3-0 in their favour. While our record against them improved, we weren’t able to beat ’em during our 2009-10 title-winning campaign; losing our most recent match against them. But The Lambs found times tough since relegation from the Conference in 2013.
Tamworth: The Facts
The Lamb Ground
Kettlebrook, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 1AA
It seems the Lambs owe their existence to a London businessman who moved up to the town during the 1920s or 1930s. Essentially, the man – Michael Flowers – wrote to the local paper in despair at the lack of a local football side in his new hometown. And so the team came to be a thing. To start, they played in the Birmingham Combination; moving into the Birmingham and District League in 1954. This competition rebranded in 1962 – naming itself the West Midlands (Regional) League. And, in a coincidence, it saw the Lambs go on a little run of success.
In nine seasons, the Lambs won the title three times – and came second on goal average twice. There were also some local cup triumphs too. Looking to take that next step, they went up into Southern League Division One North in 1972 after their third West Midlands (Regional) title win. One of their esteemed opponents at the time were Stevenage Athletic too. Sadly, we don’t have that particular head-to-head to hand.
Falling crowds and growing cash concerns started to become a problem for the Lambs. In 1979, they left the Southern League for the Northern Premier League – before returning in 1983. This didn’t help matters, however. Just one season back in the Southern League, the club went back to the West Midlands (Regional) League in 1984 – while also coming into new ownership. After a fourth title win in 1987-8, it was back to the Southern League.
With that, the Lambs secured promotion to the Nationwide Conference for the first time; lining up for the 2003-4 campaign with the cream of the non-league crop. Including us. But this wasn’t the reason for our paths to cross for the first time. On their way to Southern League glory, we’d been paired together in the 2002-3 FA Trophy Round Four draw. You may call it a sneak preview of what was to come the following year, if you’d like. Or you may choose to forget about it.
How to get to Tamworth – Travel Information – Distance: 92 miles
By Road
Take the M1 north from our neck of the woods and continue until Junction 20. Here, exit the M1; this is the A4304/A4303 exit for places like Lutterworth and Market Harborough. At the roundabout at the top of the slip road, take the first exit and bear left for the A4303.
Go over the next three roundabouts you come to, staying on the A4303. The fourth will connect you with the A5 by an Asda distribution centre. You’ll want the fourth exit here, heading north on the A5. Then, stick with the A5 until you reach Tamworth itself.
Come off the A5 using the exit for the B5440; the exit being by the town’s athletics club should that help? Take the third exit at the roundabout for the B5440, following it for 0.6 miles. You’ll come to another roundabout here, at which you need the first exit.
At the second roundabout you then come to, take a left down Kettlebrook Road.
There’s ample parking at the ground, although we suggest getting there early to avoid long queues on exit.
By Rail
Station: TAMWORTH
Services to: RUGBY (for LONDON EUSTON)
As you leave the station, walk along the approach road until you reach the roundabout; turning left and crossing the road as you pass under the railway. Continuing along, pass Jewson’s to the right down Offa Drive and keep going under you reach a roundabout.
Turn left here and cross the railway bridge, before following the path left into Amington Road. At the roadside railings, cross the road – but don’t go under the arches. Head up Kettlebrook Road for the ground instead.
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