Ebbsfleet United v Tamworth
The Fleet go into their last home game of the season looking for only their sixth win on home soil this season. Three points would also mean that the Kent outfit cannot finish bottom of the Division.
Tamworth FC
Founded - 1933
Nickname - The Lambs
Manager - Dale Belford (caretaker)
Captain - Duane Courtney
Top scorer - Adam Cunnington (20)
Tamworth had a fairly good start to the season, as they sat nicely outside the play-offs a couple of months into the season. The Fleet beat them at the end of October to leave them in ninth position and since then it has been all down hill for the Lambs as they now sit just two points outside of the relegation zone. A victory in this match will be absolutely massive for them and will go a long way to securing at least another season in this Division.
The Fleet go into this match on the back of an embarrassing loss on Saturday. Despite going a goal up through an excellent finish from Stefan Payne, the Fleet allowed Aaron Williams to score a first-half hattrick to give Telford a 3-1 win - their first in thirty one matches - further boosting their chances of not finishing bottom. A low crowd turned out to see the match but the ones who were there made themselves heard as they protested against the owners who are dragging the Club down.
The Lambs failed miserably last time out in a match in which they were outplayed from start to finish. Despite taking the lead in the first half, two second half goals from Lincoln gave them a massive victory in their fight against relegation. Tamworth sit just two points above safety with two games to go. Lincoln moved up to 18th place and are four points above safety with just one game to go.
KEY PLAYERS:
Now already relegated, the players are just playing for pride. If he plays, the Fleet will certainly be hoping Nathan Elder is back to form. The goals have dried up recently for the striker and he'll be looking to get back on the scoresheet as soon as possible. Another player who will want to be on form is defender Paul Lorraine. Back from injury, the captain will be hoping he can recapture the form that he's shown so many times before. Unfortunately, it hasn't been too often this season.
Adam Cunnington is Tamworth's main dangerman. Since signing in the summer, the striker has been a revelation, hitting twenty goals so far as he sits second in the League's goalscoring chart. Another player who Tamworth look to is experienced Lee Hendrie. The former Aston Villa man has proved time and time again he is still a capable midfielder at this level, and they'll be hoping he causes the Fleet some problems on Tuesday.
TEAM NEWS:
The Fleet will be hoping Preston Edwards is fit, after the keeper missed the loss against Telford due to a slight shoulder strain. David Azin came on in that match for his debut and straight away showed some encouraging signs. The Fleet will be hoping he can continue, if he plays. Craig Stone missed the defeat against Telford due to a cut head suffered at Hyde, the full back will be hoping he is cleared to play. Liam Daish should have no fresh worries with his squad.
Tamworth captain Duane Courtney returns from his two-game suspension, while Scott Barrow is out injured. Tom Marshall and Jonathon Thorpe could be doubts.
EBBSFLEET'S LAST SIX MATCHES (LLDDLL):
Ebbsfleet United 1-3 AFC Telford United
Hyde 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 1-1 Nuneaton Town
Barrow AFC 1-1 Ebbsfleet United
Braintree Town 3-1 Ebbsfleet United
Ebbsfleet United 0-2 Forest Green Rovers
TAMWORTH'S LAST SIX MATCHES (LLWLLD):
Lincoln City 2-1 Tamworth
Alfreton Town 3-0 Tamworth
Tamworth 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
Hereford United 5-2 Tamworth
Tamworth 0-1 Mansfield Town
Luton Town 0-0 Tamworth
PREVIOUS LEAGUE MEETINGS:
27.10.12. Tamworth 0-1 Ebbsfleet United
24.01.12. Ebbsfleet United 3-0 Tamworth
16.08.11. Tamworth 1-0 Ebbsfleet United
24.04.10. Tamworth 3-4 Ebbsfleet United
21.01.09. Ebbsfleet United 0-1 Tamworth
LAST TIME OUT:
Saturday 27th October, 2012. Tamworth 0-1 Ebbsfleet United.
Tom Phipp scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time as the 'Fleet won their first League match since 8th September. Phil Walsh wasted a glorious chance for the 'Fleet early on as he rose up and headed onto the bar from less than 12 yards out. Phipp struck late on in the half as he was sent through and lobbed the keeper from just outside the box. There wasn't much in the second half in the way of chances, although Adam Cunnington did waste a good chance to equalise late on.
Attendance: 838.
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