Tamworth vs Tottenham LIVE: FA Cup team news and line-ups as non-league side host Spurs in third round | OneFootball

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Every game of football is important - Postecoglou

Tottenham travel to non-league Tamworth in the third round of the FA Cup this afternoon, with Ange Postecoglou’s side looking to build on their midweek win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

The Australian has managed to turn around Spurs’ fortunes in recent weeks despite an injury crisis of sorts, and this tie gives him a chance to rest some key players as they travel to face a Tamworth side in 16th place in the National League.

The minnows are one of the two remaining non-league sides left in the competition, and they sit on the edge of relegation in the fifth tier, just seven points above the drop zone,

Though that won’t stop fans from dreaming of a historic night in a tournament that has thrown up plenty of shocks over the years.

Tamworth vs Tottenham

Back down to earth? On Wednesday, Tottenham were beating Premier League leaders Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. Now, they play a team 95 places below them in the football pyramid.

“It’s what the FA Cup is all about,” Ange Postecgolou tells ITV. “I’m sure the people of Tamworth are looking forward too it and we are as well.

“There’s a connection with grassroots somewhere, a neighbourhood where they grew up and small community clubs nourished their love for the game.

“I’m sure all the boys are looking forward to it. I think the boys are genuinely excited for the game.”

(Getty Images)

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 12:15

FA Cup third round: Why were replays scrapped from the competition?

The FA Cup third round remains one of the most memorable weekends of the football season, but the competition will look a little different this year after a seismic change.

As always, the draw has thrown together some intriguing ties, from a showdown between two of the competition’s most successful sides in Arsenal and Manchester United, to a meeting of Tottenham Hotspur and National League side Tamworth FC.

But while these fairytale ties against top-flight sides can still be the high point of a season for some clubs in the lower tiers, the decision to scrap replays from this season onwards has not been a popular one.

The FA took the decision to scrap FA Cup replays in April 2024, with the country’s governing body working with the Premier League to come to an agreement in light of the expansion of the format to Uefa’s main competitions.

With the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League all being expanded, there were concerns about fixture congestion for sides in the top flight. Replays had already been scrapped from the fifth round onwards in previous seasons.

Who is Tom Tonks? Tamworth’s long throw weapon set to trouble Tottenham

Against Huddersfield, Tom Tonks sparked panic in the defence when the non-league team piled bodies onto visiting goalkeeper Chris Maxwell and he aimed his throw under the crossbar. Tonks’ throw found the back of the net as Maxwell flapped at his punch.

“It’s difficult to defend because the trajectory of the ball is something you’re not used to,” Tonks told Football Focus.

“We’re lucky at Tamworth because we have four or five six-foot-plus blokes who want to head the ball.

“What kind of preparation can you do for a Premier League team? We know they are all going to be excellent players.

“We actually fancy our chances against anyone at home. It’s different to what they are used to, the portacabins, the artificial pitch. Funnier things have happened in football.”

Tamworth vs Tottenham

The magic of the FA Cup on full display as kick-off at the Lamb Ground draws near.

Team news is coming up.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 11:31

When is the FA Cup fourth-round draw? Start time, ball numbers and how to watch on TV

The FA Cup third round is underway as Premier League and Championship sides enter the competition for the first time, with 32 ties being played over the weekend.

Cardiff, Fulham and Everton were the first teams to book their spot on Thursday night, before Aston Villa beat West Ham to deliver defeat to Graham Potter in his first game in charge of the Hammers and League One Wycombe also upset Championship Portsmouth on Friday night.

Liverpool comfortably beat Accrington Stanley and Chelsea did likewise against Morecambe but Brentford were upset by the Championship’s bottom club, managerless Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon, while before the pick of the third rounders takes place on Sunday as Manchester United face Arsenal at the Emirates.

When is the FA Cup fourth-round draw? Start time, ball numbers and how to watch on TV

Everything you need to know about the draw for the next round of England’s premier cup competition

Jamie Braidwood12 January 2025 11:20

Tamworth bar makes free beer for life offer to encourage FA Cup heroics

A sports bar is offering free beer for life to any Tamworth FC player who scores the winning goal in the National League side’s FA Cup clash with Spurs.

The Staffordshire side take on the Premier League visitors at The Lamb on Sunday afternoon, with the general manager of the town’s Pitchers Bar describing the unusual incentive as “a little fun” ahead of the all-ticket fixture.

Bar general manager Jason Pegg said: “We’re huge supporters of Tamworth FC, and this weekend’s FA Cup match against Spurs is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the club and the community.

“What better way to show our backing than with a little fun? A winning goal means more than just a place in the record books — it’s the stuff of legends. We want to be part of that excitement, and what better way than offering free beer for life to the player who delivers the magic moment?”

Tamworth bar makes free beer for life offer to encourage FA Cup heroics

Bar manager Jason Pegg admits the fun pledge to reward a winning goalscorer is a ‘big ask’ but says anything is possible in football.