Tamworth’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham wasn’t just a football match; it was a proper underdog story that nearly tipped into the extraordinary. On paper, Spurs – 96 places above their fifth-tier opponents – should have brushed them aside. Instead, they needed extra time to secure a 3-0 win thanks to an own goal from Nathan Tshikuna, followed by strikes from Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson.
The final score doesn’t tell the full story. Tamworth gave everything. Though the minnows bowed out of the competition, several Tamworth players put themselves firmly in the spotlight. Here’s a closer look at those who stood out and might just be on the cusp of a career-changing move.
Beck-Ray Besongbap Enoru: A Premier League Long Shot or Future Star?
Enoru was a constant menace down the flank, running at Tottenham’s defence with the kind of fearlessness that turns heads. He gave Spurs’ fullbacks a game they won’t forget, showing pace, skill, and composure against much higher-level opposition.
With 4/1 odds for a Premier League move, Enoru’s stock has skyrocketed. A Premier League move would be a huge step. A move to the Championship, where he could refine his craft, might be more realistic—but one thing’s for sure: Enoru’s performance didn’t go unnoticed.
Hayden Hollis: The Veteran Defender with One Big Move Left
At 32, Hayden Hollis played like a man in his prime. He wasn’t just a rock at the back. Hollis has seen it all in his career, but this might have been one of his finest outings. The 32-year-old has played for the likes of Notts County, Chesterfield and Forest Green Rovers before joining Tamworth in the summer.
With 10/1 odds for the Premier League and 3/1 for the Championship, Hollis could have one last shot at a big move. His experience, composure, and ability to lead a backline make him an attractive option for a Championship side looking to solidify their defence.
Ben Crompton: A Defensive Dynamo
On loan from Sunderland, Crompton showed exactly why he’s already in a Championship club’s plans. His defensive stats were impressive: eight tackles, 11 clearances, and only five duels lost—all against Premier League players. Crompton looks ready for the next step, whether that’s cementing a place at Sunderland or moving up the ladder even further.
With 12/1 odds for a Premier League transfer, Crompton’s performance suggests he’s destined to make waves in the Championship at the very least.
Callum Cockerill-Mollett: A Second Chance Waiting to Happen
Cockerill-Mollett’s career hit a bump when he was released by Walsall at 22, but his performance against Spurs showed a player who hasn’t given up on reaching the top.
With 10/1 odds for the Championship and 2/5 for League One, a second-tier club could see him as a low-risk, high-reward signing.
Tamworth’s Triumph in Defeat
Tamworth’s players didn’t just compete and offered the kind of performance that reminds us why the FA Cup is so beloved, and it’s also a potential turning point for a few players who may have earned themselves a step up the football pyramid. While the fairytale of knocking Spurs out didn’t come true, the individual stories that emerged could still have happy endings.
