The match was high quality throughout – the first half in particular where there was rarely a dull moment – on a perfectly manicured Scully Park pitch.

Tamworth FC struck just six minutes into the match when Troy Hearfield found some open space with a superb first touch.

The former A-League player then laid a pass off to Kurt Burrow who beat the goalkeeper one on one.

The lead was short-lived as joy quickly turned to despair for FC.

As Tamworth FC looked to work out of their own half, a back pass – which didn’t have enough pepper on it – was intercepted by Jacob McGoldrick who, like Burrow, beat the keeper and sent the ball into the back of the net.

Both teams continued to trade attacking chances – OVA’s crosses were just missing their mark while FC’s shots were either wayward or saved – but were unable to convert until Tamworth FC scored midway through the half.

A Ben Davis corner found the head of a flying Hearfield who made a sweet connection to send the ball home and give FC a 2-1 lead which is where the score remained for a large part of the match.

The attacking never died from either side but the defensive effort increased as both OVA’s Troy Keyte and FC’s Troy Osborne guarded their goals like beefeaters at the Tower of London.

In the 84^th minute, OVA struck.

Benn Genardini sent a ground cross into an awaiting McGoldrick who potted the shot home.

A few tense moments followed as the referees conferred to discuss a potential offside call which was dismissed and the goal was awarded.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, the match remained at 2-all as the final whistle sounded.