Halesowen Town 2-2 Tamworth: A Thrilling Local Derby in Pre-Season Action

In a fiercely contested pre-season friendly at The Grove on July 25, 2026, Halesowen Town and Tamworth played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. The match, part of the International Club Friendly schedule, showcased the intensity of a local derby despite its non-competitive status.

Match Overview

Both sides used the fixture to fine-tune their squads ahead of the upcoming league campaigns. Halesowen, a club steeped in Non-League history, took an early lead through a well-worked set-piece, only for Tamworth to respond with two quick goals before half-time. The Yeltz showed character in the second period, equalising midway through the half to secure a share of the spoils.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal Halesowen: A corner from the left was met by a towering header from a central defender, sending the home fans into celebration.
• 28' – Equaliser Tamworth: A swift counter-attack saw the Lambs' striker slot home from close range after a defensive mix-up.
• 36' – Tamworth Take the Lead: A speculative long-range effort took a deflection and nestled into the bottom corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
• 67' – Halesowen Level: A contested penalty was calmly converted by the home side’s leading marksman after a foul inside the box.

Tactical Story

Halesowen Town manager opted for a 4-4-2 formation, looking to exploit width and deliver crosses into the box. Tamworth, meanwhile, set up in a compact 4-3-3, pressing high when out of possession. The visitors’ midfield trio dominated the first half, but Halesowen’s adjustments at the break—pushing full-backs higher—allowed them to regain control in the second period.

Standout Players

For Halesowen, the central defender who scored the opener was a rock at the back. Tamworth’s midfield playmaker dictated the tempo in the first half and created several chances. Both goalkeepers made crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.

This friendly provided valuable minutes for both squads, with the 2-2 result a fair reflection of a competitive and well-contested match. Fans from both clubs will take heart from their team’s performances as they build towards the start of the new season.