Tamworth FA Cup hero Tommy Tonks is desperate for his pregnant wife to give birth prematurely so he can avoid missing a huge tie later this month. The midfielder’s remarkable long throw caused Chris Maxwell’s own goal in the National League side’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield.
Tonks is regarded as the non-league Rory Delap for his incredible tosses into the penalty area. Several of his throws comfortably flew beyond the back post in Friday’s crunch cup tie.
Maxwell’s misfortune was the only goal of the game and Tamworth could get another mega fixture in Monday’s draw. But 33-year-old Tonks risks missing out as his wife is due to give birth on the second-round weekend, scheduled for Friday, November 29 to Monday, December 3.
“[Baby is] due 28th November but hopefully she drops earlier so I don't miss a Saturday [game],” Tonks told BBC Sport.
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Tamworth’s game plan largely revolved around being a threat from set-pieces. League One Huddersfield - who were poor - struggled to deal with Tonks’ long throws into their territory.
Victory gave Tamworth a huge triumph over a team who were in the Premier League only five years ago. They will eagerly anticipate their second-round opponents, and could be set to face another big League One team.
"I am chilled now. During stoppage time you know something can happen so you're never content until it's finished,” manager Andy Peaks - a school teacher by day - said.
"We managed the game really well. Brilliant. We felt that when we got the ball we had to keep it and not give it back straight away because they are good on the ball. It was more important to keep a good shape and be difficult to break down.
"We knew we would be a threat on set-pieces and we were. The key was having a good shape and not rushing things. We didn't have to win it in the first 20 minutes and we didn't want to be out of it in the first 20 minutes.
"Most games are decided in the penalty box and we try to be good in those areas with the first and second balls - and we were.
"We mixed it up well. We had to be strong down the spine and the spine was strong. I just wanted to be competitive and not be embarrassed on national television. But I'm so proud of all of them - we have such a strong spine to the team - I never want a team of individuals, I want a team."
Tamworth will learn their second-round opponents in Monday’s draw.
