Peaks proud Tamworth went 'toe-to-toe' with Orient

Andy Peaks became Tamworth manager in February 2022

Tamworth boss Andy Peaks said he was "really proud" of his team's performance against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup - but disappointed to miss the chance of causing another big upset.

The Lambs, ninth in the National League, pushed League One outfit Orient all the way in their first round tie on Monday, only succumbing 1-0 to a 79th-minute own goal from defender Kennedy Digie.

It ended Tamworth's hopes of emulating their exploits in the FA Cup last season when they knocked out two third-tier sides - Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion - on their way to the third round where they took Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur to extra time before bowing out.

"I'm really proud - but disappointed," Peaks told BBC Radio WM. "There was a lot of disappointment in that changing room.

"I think there were opportunities that, with a bit more quality in the final third, we could have pulled off another giant killing."

Defeat was only the Lambs' third in their past 16 games in all major competitions, stretching back to 25 August.

Peaks, who said trying to win promotion to the English Football League is the "priority" this season, added he could not have asked more from his players to extend their cup run.

"To win a game like that you need that little bit of luck, or bit of quality and we didn't quite get that," he said.

"But I'm really proud we've gone toe-to-toe with a club from League One - we're part-time and the players had to go to work, so being on TV, as great as it was, probably didn't do us many favours.

"You can get blown away by these teams if you don't do the right things. We did the fundamentals well - competed, work rate, all the things I ask them every week."

Tamworth host Woking at The Lamb on Saturday, where a win could take them into the top seven.