THE FINAL COUNTDOWN - 8 Games to go!

By Peegs
December 26 2003

If we use track and field terminology its “the final straight of a race that matters” not the previous distance travelled, in Football terms Cheltenham have reached this point of the race. With 8 games to go can we stay up, Peegs reviews the final games of the season.

Port Vale Away

Vale currently lie 5 points above Cheltenham so are still part of the relegation battle, with Mike Duff not available to play at centre back it will need a solid defensive display from his deputy – possibly John Brough – to nullify the threat of Port Vale’s attack. Vale players to look out for in my opinion being, let sided midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, ex Coventry striker Stephen McPhee and ex Watford striker Stephen Brooker.

Peegs prediction for this match, scoring draw (total points now 38)

Brentford Away

This is the match that I see key, an away match were expected to lose, but the “Bees” are the exact team we want to be playing at this stage of the season, currently lying in 14th place with 46 points they are realistically safe but with no chance of getting into the play of zones. Players to watch in this match being, Rowan Vine a striker on a seasons long lone from Premiership bound Portsmouth, Senegal Under 23 captain Ibrahima Sonko at centre back and the lively Martin Rowlands who somehow didn’t get sent off in the previous meeting at Whaddon Road earlier in the season is always a threat from the midfield.

Peegs prediction for this match, Robins win (points tally now 41)

Luton Home

A tricky game to call, we have home advantage, they have the better squad on paper. Last years meeting at Whaddon Road saw the two teams share the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Tony Naylor on the scoresheet (what a goal that was!). Prolific strikers Tony Thorpe and Steve Howard will have to be watched closely if we are going to take anything from this game.

Peegs prediction for this match, scoring draw (points tally 42)

Oldham Home

Within touching distance of the automatic promotion places Oldham will prove tough opponents on the 12th April. The Robins have a good record against the Latics, beating them 2-0 in the Cup last year at Whaddon Road, drawing 0-0 in the league this year aswell as knocking them out in the 2nd round of the Cup 2-0. Clyde Wijnhard is undoubtedly there star man, Fitz Hall is a talented centre back. They have the best away record in the league and I personally think this will be a game too far for are lads.

Peegs prediction for this match, defeat (points tally 42)

Wycombe Away

Lawrie Sanchez survived the boo boys campaign to get him ousted from the hot seat and Wycombe currently find themselves in 11th place with 49 points. Similarly to Brentford they are safe with no prospects of getting into the play off places, another ideal team to play. However in my opinion there squad is better than Brentfords, Darren Currie, Danny Bulman and Steve Brown in the midfield they will prove to be difficult opposition.

Peegs prediction for this match, defeat (points tally 42)

Peterborough Home

On paper are easiest game left, we’ll try and ignore the 4-1 defeat at their place earlier in the season. Posh currently sit in the final relegation place 2 points above Cheltenham. Mid season they sold their best player Jimmy Bullard to high fliers Wigan but were boosted with the recent return of Leon McKenzie to fitness. Andy Clarke is their leading scorer and the man to watch.

Peegs prediction for this match. Robins win (points tally 45 points)

Blackpool Home

Another tough game, the team with half a ground have been on a good run of late and their tall striker John Murphy has been scoring goals for fun lately including a hat trick versus Luton. Like Luton they sit just outside the Play Off Zone and will be looking for all the points they can get. I can easily pin point the player to watch, young midfielder Martin Bullock is definetly a player that will go on to bigger and better things. Watch out for his trickery and pace.

Peegs prediction for this match, scoring draw (points tally now 46 points)

The final game of the season sees us travel to Notts County , if my predictions have gone as planned then we will need a win from this game. County humiliated Town way back in September beating us 4-1 at Whaddon Road. Their key players are top scorer Mark Stallard, his striking partner Danny Allsopp and creative midfielder Darren Caskey. They are currently in 15th place with 45 points so intheory should pick up enough points between now and the fixture to be safe by the time we play them. A large following contingent of Robisn fans will be expected if this match is crucial to are hopes of survival, fingers crossed for County to be safe by the time we play them.

Peegs prediction for this match, Robins win (points tally now 49 points)

There is my honest opinion on how the season will end, I have done my best to be honest and haven’t just sat here lying about are prospects. Whether 49 points would be enough I don’t know but it’s sure to go down to the wire.

Remember the cheltenhamtown.tk message board where you can leave your Cheltenham messages and vote for your Man of the Match after every game.