Tamworth’s attention turns to cup action on Tuesday evening as The Lambs host West Ham United PL2 in the National League Cup semi-final at the The Lamb Ground.

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Andy Peaks’ side are aiming to make it two domestic cup successes in as many seasons, following last year’s Birmingham Senior Cup triumph. Now, Tamworth have their sights set on lifting the National League Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

The trophy has eluded The Lambs across its previous formats — including the Bob Lord Challenge Trophy, Conference Cup and Setanta Shield — but with the competition revitalised last season, a fresh opportunity awaits. The last final before its return came in 2008-09, when AFC Telford United defeated Forest Green Rovers.

The first winners of the new format were Leeds United U21s, who overcame Sutton United at Gander Green Lane. Peaks will now look to guide Tamworth to the final — and potentially become the first National League club to win the reformed competition.

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Looking to Respond After Aldershot Draw

Tamworth enter the semi-final determined to respond following Saturday’s dramatic 1–1 draw with Aldershot Town.

First-half red cards for Dan Creaney and Aldershot’s Keane Anderson reduced both sides to ten men before the break. Oli Lynch gave The Lambs the lead, and it looked as though three points were secured. However, eight minutes of added time provided one final twist, with Charlie Warren striking late to deny Tamworth a long-awaited league victory.

With league action paused midweek, focus shifts fully to cup progression — and a first-ever meeting between Tamworth and West Ham at senior or development level.

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The Lambs’ National League Cup Journey

Tamworth have been flawless in the competition so far.

Alongside Boreham Wood, The Lambs were the only side to win all of their group matches, conceding just once en route to the knockout stages.

Impressive victories against Premier League U21 development sides — including Manchester United U21s, Everton U21s and Burnley U21s — will provide real confidence ahead of Tuesday’s test.

In the quarter-final, Tamworth defeated FC Halifax Town 1-0 at home, a month after losing the league meeting between the sides. Ronan Maher proved the hero with a superb second-half free-kick past Shaymen goalkeeper Sam Johnson, ending Halifax’s hopes of adding to their 2023 FA Trophy success.

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West Ham U21s’ Route to the Semi-Final

The Hammers topped their group with 11 points from four matches, defeating Woking, Truro City and Aldershot Town, while also winning on penalties against Sutton after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Their quarter-final victory came away at Boston United at the Jakemans Community Stadium, where goals from Ryan Battrum and Emeka Adiele overturned an opener from Jordy Hiwula.

They are now the only development side remaining in the competition and will be eager to keep the trophy in Premier League academy hands for a second consecutive season.

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Hammers One to Watch

Midfielder Lewis Orford is a player Tamworth supporters should keep a close eye on.

In three National League Cup appearances this season, the 19-year-old has produced five goal contributions — four of which came in a commanding 5-1 victory over Aldershot. Highly regarded within West Ham’s academy system, Orford has recorded an impressive 34 goal contributions in 70 appearances for the club’s U21 side.

Composed in possession and capable of dictating tempo, he has the quality to influence games if afforded time and space.

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Andy Peaks’ Post-Aldershot Reaction

On conceding late:

“Definitely two points dropped, disappointed to concede how we did, bit of a melee in the box and we didn’t clear it well enough – I’ve said in the changing room, it’s a similar story, I’m pleased with the performance, the commitment, the determination but we need to find a way of getting over the line and getting three points on the board.”

On Ryan Howley’s man-of-the-match display:

“He was brilliant, after Ryan came in and trained with us, I saw enough to start him, he was very good and exactly what I was looking for, I was really pleased for him – we know he’s mobile, calm on the ball and considering his age, he looks like a great player.”

On the semi-final ahead:

“We take it very seriously, we’ve been strong right through it, it has given us the opportunity to change the team and bring different lads into the first team. As a group, a club, as an individual, we want to do well and get to a final, of course we do.”

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Matchday Information

Ground Opening

The Lamb Ground opens 90 minutes before kick-off.

Turnstile Information
• Home supporters should enter via the turnstiles at the far end of the car park.
• Away supporters should use the turnstiles at the near end of the car park.

Tickets

Supporters are encouraged to purchase in advance and can still be purchased online.

Tickets can also be bought on the day from the ticket office, located next door to the club shop.

Food & Refreshments

A selection of food and refreshments will be available inside the ground.
An away bar and food van will be available in the away supporters’ end.

Parking

Limited parking is available at the stadium on a first come, first served basis, priced at £3 per car.

By Train

Tamworth Train Station is approximately 0.8 miles away — around a 15-minute walk from the ground.

Club Address

The Lamb Ground
Kettlebrook Road
Tamworth
B77 1AA
England