Football action returns for the Fleet after last weekend’s blank schedule slot and it’s a return to Tamworth’s Lamb Ground for the first time in 12 years.

Form guide
Tamworth will be on a high from their Emirates FA Cup upset which saw them knock out League One Huddersfield Town thanks to an own goal by keeper Chris Maxwell in the 44th minute that proved enough to send the Lambs into a local derby at Burton Albion in Round Two. 

Tamworth currently sit 16th in the National League having picked up six wins in the campaign so far following their back-to-back promotions.

Previous affairs
The two sides last faced each other in 2013 with the points shared in a 1-1 draw at Stonebridge Road – Liam Enver-Marum was on the scoresheet for the Fleet that day.

In the past four meetings between the sides, the Fleet have come out on top twice, including a 3-0 victory back in January 2012. This will be the eighth visit to The Lamb Ground, with Fleet having won three and lost four. Tamworth were promoted to the Conference in the same season as us in 2001/02, setting up the first ever meeting between the clubs the following year.

Who’s who
Jasbir Singh has had previous spells with Shrewsbury Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Solihull Moors, Gloucester City and AFC Telford United. The goalkeeper arrived at The Lamb in 2018 and is currently in his sixth season with the club. The 34-year-old was also named as Players’ Player of the 2021/22 season.

Former Fleet title winner Haydn Hollis is a familiar face for travelling fans. The 32-year-old centre-back departed the Fleet for Dorking Wanderers this time last year and suffered relegation with the Surrey side before moving back nearer home with Tamworth in the summer.

Dan Creaney joined the Lambs in June 2019 for an undisclosed fee, netting 16 goals before the Covid season was curtailed. He bagged 18 more in 2021/22 before smashing 40 goals to help Tamworth to the first of their successive promotions. Creaney has also played for the likes of Atherstone Town, Bedworth United and Coalville Town. 

The manager
Andy Peaks has caught the eye since joining Tamworth in February 2022. He was a player with Northampton Town, Rushden & Diamonds and Stamford before managing AFC Rushden & Diamonds. He took the club to three promotions and a play-off place before the move to Tamworth where he pulled off relegation survival in his first season and then successive promotions from the Southern League to the National League.

Ticket info
Tickets can be purchased in advance for this fixture here. Away travel information is here.