Football Review | Tamworth 0 - 1 Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient avoided a cup upset at Tamworth

An own goal from Tamworth defender Kennedy Digie was enough to send Orient into the second round after a laboured display against opponents from two divisions below.

Author | Ajay

Stadium | The Lamb Ground

Tamworth thought they had made a dream start when Manny Duku struck in the opening minute, but the forward was correctly flagged offside. The hosts went on to enjoy the better of the first half, with Beck-Ray Enoru forcing a smart save from visiting goalkeeper Killian Cahill, who marked his 22nd birthday with a clean sheet. Cahill was called into action again in stoppage time, producing an excellent stop to deny Stefan Mols’ header that looked destined for the top corner.

READ MORE | A dramatic weekend in the FA Cup

Orient struggled to find rhythm on Tamworth’s artificial 3G surface, with Aaron Connolly’s wayward cross typifying their lack of fluency. Idris El Mizouni scuffed wide when well placed, while Enoru wasted a promising chance for the hosts after one of Tom Tonks’ trademark long throws.

The League One side finally got on top

The decisive moment came 11 minutes from time when Sonny Perkins’ teasing cross was inadvertently flicked into his own net by Digie, who had been outstanding until that point. 

Five minutes of added time offered Tamworth a glimmer of hope for a late equaliser, and they forced a series of corners in that spell, with goalkeeper Jas Singh joining the attack.

Orient held firm amid the chaos in the box and almost doubled their lead in the 95th minute. Substitute Alfie Lloyd struck towards goal, forcing Singh to dive low to prevent the ball creeping into the bottom corner. The win sets up a second-round trip to Salford City after the draw was made before kick-off.

Manager reaction

Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens told the media: "It's a weird one. It's a difficult surface to play on, we had total control of the game but when you've got those long throws... if there's any bouncing balls in the box, it keeps them in the game. I'm pleased with the team's performances, we didn't give any chances away in open play. These FA Cups are difficult. They are at their maximum."