Andy Peaks was frustrated with Tamworth’s performance on Wednesday evening as they fell to defeat in the National League Cup against Middlesbrough PL2.

Riccardo Calder’s goal put the Lambs ahead at the break, but by the 51st minute, Middlesbrough went 3-1 ahead.

Peaks said: “Frustration, really.

“A good first half and got the goal I thought we deserved. Then, a similar situation, really conceded three goals in four minutes which is just not acceptable. We keep talking about this when we concede one, can we regroup and not concede a second? Not only that, we conceded a second and a third.

“We’ve had some harsh words in [the dressing room], we’ve got to start defending better. For a lot of the game, I thought we gave a really good account of ourselves against a decent team. I feel like a broken record, you can’t keep conceding goals like we do.”

He continued: “The first goal, they got in a bit luckily, it was a ricochet that got them in and they had an overload.

“That happens in football, but for me it’s about then rallying as a group and not conceding again. There’s enough experience out there to not do that. Even if you put the ball down the other end of the field, get your shape and just regroup, there’s plenty of time left in the game, and we didn’t. We let them out again way too easy, all three goals are very similar, and they were clinical, something we’ve not been enough of.

“I keep saying it week after week, but we have to defend better. We can’t give teams three goals and certainly not in the space of [three minutes] like that.”

Ryan Howley returned to the club on Friday evening and made his debut in Tuesday night’s game, with Tom Handley also impressing supporters on his return to the starting lineup.
Peaks said: “Tom’s waited his chance.

“He’s desperate to play at the club. He’s had limited minutes so far, so it was nice to get him on the pitch. These games are good for that. I was really pleased at half-time. The attitude, the endeavour, the tempo, so many positives. Ryan’s come on second half, not his preferred position, but really pleased to get him back at the club, we know what he’s going to bring.