The eagerly-awaited Enterprise National League campaign commences this weekend as we aim to get off to a winning start against Tamworth.
Having secured promotion to the pinnacle of non-league football in 2024, the Lambs have had two seasons of consolidation and finished in 11th place last term. Their promotion was their first to this level since 2009 and they showed promising signs of challenging for the play-offs but they settled for a mid-table finish last season.
A summer addition from Isthmian Premier Division outfit Folkestone Invicta, lethal striker Jake Hutchinson will be aiming to carry his goal-scoring exploits back into full-time football.
The 24-year-old played an instrumental role in their promotion last term with 28 goals in all competitions to secure the division’s Golden Boot. He firmly established himself as a fan favourite since making the switch from Enfield Town and will be plying his trade in the National League for the first time since his loan stint at Aldershot Town in 2023.
The driving force behind Tamworth’s remarkable back-to-back promotions, Andy Peaks has become a celebrated figure in Staffordshire. He joined the Lambs at the start of 2022 from AFC Rushden & Diamonds and it proved to be an inspired appointment.
Occupants of the Southern Premier Division Central at the time, Peaks secured promotion to the National League North in his first full season before repeating that feat in the following campaign to clinch consecutive promotions.
A tenth-placed National League finish was capped by a run to the third round of the Emirates FA Cup where they dominated Tottenham Hotspur in a flattering 3-0 defeat.
Another solid campaign last season is the perfect platform for Peaks to build on and push higher up the division.
The Lambs were one of only two teams to do the double over Luke Garrard’s side last season.
The first clash came in November as Matt Rush broke the deadlock with 20 minutes on the clock before Ben Milnes drew level from the spot nine minutes later. Manny Duku proved to be the winner with his strike 18 minutes from time as the Wood were defeated at home for only the second time of the season.
The reverse meeting at the Lamb Ground was a thriller as Tamworth narrowly prevailed with a 3-2 victory. Goals from Oliver Lynch and Stefan Mols saw the hosts sail into a two-goal lead before Rush restored parity just before the half-hour mark. Tamworth restored their two-goal cushion though three minutes later courtesy of Lynch and Rush’s second of the afternoon couldn’t spark a late comeback.
The game kicks off at 15:00 and is segregated.
The Glass House will open from 12:00 and will be accessible via turnstiles 3 to 6, whilst the Fan Zone in the South-East corner of the stadium will be in operation from 13:30 which is when the stadium opens.
A variety of quality food options will also be available from our stadium catering partners, with outlets conveniently located adjacent to The Glass House and in the middle of the South Terrace. Toilet facilities are situated throughout the Stadium and are easily accessible from all areas.
Adult – £20.00
OAP – £18.00
Under 20 – £14.00
Under 16 – £10.00
Under 14* – £6.00
Under 5* – £2.00
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
*Must be accompanied by a paying adult or OAP.
Tarryn Allarakhia knows what it takes to secure promotion from this division, a familiar foe having experienced the highs of doing so with Rochdale three months ago.
While the west end of Wembley Stadium suffered palpable heartbreak and unimaginable grief from penalty shootout heartbreak, those in the jubilant Rochdale end were experiencing contrasting emotions.
Celebrations were led by Allarakhia who netted several crucial goals last season for the Dale as they tussled with York City for the title, and he is ready to do it all again in Hertfordshire.
The Tanzania international is determined to replicate his promotion success as we embark on the league season.
“I think I can bring that experience and help the team on and off the pitch,” he said.
“We know what we want to achieve this season and we also know that it is going to be tough.
“However, I know that the squad is ready for any challenges that come our way.”
One of three new additions brought through the door as July began, Allarakhia has hit the ground running and given a glimpse of his explosive pace and agility in pre-season.
His infectious energy has already endeared him to a settled squad which has remained largely unchanged from last season and a sprinkling of stardust, which the 28-year-old certainly possesses, may be decisive in our promotion push.
Allarakhia explains how it has been a seamless transition into his new surroundings.
“I just try and show my qualities,” he said.
“It is a really good group on and off the pitch so we must keep our standards high, which ever since I have come into the building, that is what we have done.
“I definitely feel the connections are getting closer and closer everyday.
“It is still early doors but it is showing encouraging signs and I am looking forward to the season.
“I am just trying to feed as much positive energy as I can around my teammates.”
Tamworth present a challenging opening day opponent, one of only two sides to do the double over Luke Garrard’s side last season.
They have primarily opted for experience this summer, bringing in National League know-how in the likes of Nathan Tshikuna and Tom Parkes. Meanwhile, they have also signed exciting talent who are yet to ply their trade at the level permanently with Jake Hutchinson and Tommy Fogarty.
The former Wealdstone and Woking wideman is keen to point towards the importance of starting the season strong.
“We are expecting a tough test,” he admitted.
“Every game in the National League is hard and we need to expect teams will not make it easy for us this season.
“It is really important that we start strong and show our authority early on in the game and hopefully we can get all three points to start the season.”
Allarakhia is back down south having enjoyed a successful two-year stint at Rochdale but the attraction of being closer to home will provide an added incentive to make his return a success.
The 12-time Tanzanian international cannot wait for Saturday’s curtain-raiser.
“It’s been an enjoyable start and the players and staff have made me feel welcome,” he said.
“It was good to get minutes in pre-season but the main event starts now and we are so excited to get going and to play in front of our fans on Saturday.
“Hopefully I can bring my quality, energy and enthusiasm towards our goal but we have got a long way to go so we just need to take it step by step and see what happens!”
Written by Jack Patmore.
