Tamworth secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over ten-man Wealdstone with a last-gasp goal from substitute Jake Hutchinson in the 97th minute at The Lamb ground on Saturday.

Wealdstone opened the scoring early through Olufela Olomola, who struck from 18 yards in the 11th minute to give the visitors an early advantage. Despite their strong start, chances were limited for both teams throughout much of the match, with goalkeepers Jas Singh for Tamworth and Dante Baptiste for Wealdstone largely untroubled.

The match changed momentum shortly after the hour mark when Wealdstone defender Connor McAvoy was sent off for fouling Kieren Donnelly after Donnelly had beaten Baptiste within the penalty area. The resultant penalty was successfully converted by Nathan Tshikuna in the 69th minute, restoring parity for Tamworth. Tshikuna, who returned to Tamworth from Wealdstone during the summer transfer window, played a pivotal role in the result.

Following the red card, Tamworth intensified their attack in search of a winner, mounting several threats including a close-range scramble off the line and a narrowly missed shot from Tom McGlinchey. Wealdstone goalkeeper Baptiste also made key saves to keep his side in the contest, notably smothering a powerful strike from Ben Acquaye on 75 minutes.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Wealdstone remained competitive in the closing stages, with Jack Cook heading just past the post and Baptiste denying a header from Luke Norris. However, Tamworth capitalized on the final move of the game when Hutchinson found space to slot home the winner deep into stoppage time, securing Tamworth’s second league victory of the season.

Tamworth manager Andy Peaks acknowledged a poor first-half showing but emphasized the importance of the comeback. “It was a game of two halves so it was massive to get the win at home,” he said. “We had chances before Jake scored, and it was late coming but we found a way as a group and we’re all delighted.”

Wealdstone boss Gary Waddock described the result as a frustrating setback. “It’s always a challenge playing here but this was the one that got away,” he said. “The red card was a moment of madness and turned the game. I am lost for words that we have come away with nothing. We knew that Nathan (Tshikuna) would always be a threat.”

The result sees Tamworth take three points after a hard-fought encounter while Wealdstone dropped points despite their early lead and numerical disadvantage for the final stages.