Hatters come from behind to beat Robins 2-1

By Peegs
October 12 2002

Cheltenham did a Slovakia and gave away a 1-0 half time lead and lost 2-1 to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. Russell Milton claiming his 2nd goal of the season.

Julian Alsop came back into the starting line up inplace of last weeks scorer Damian Spencer - what does Spencer have to do to get in the starting eleven?. Richard Forsyth -on a months loan from Peterborough - made his debut inplace of Mark Yates who dropped to the bench. Also Neil Howarth came in for the injured Steve Jones, Russell Milton replaced Grant McCann who is in the N.Ireland squad to play Spain and Lee Williams replaced John Brough who like Yates dropped to the bench. Alot of changes!!!!!!!!!

Richard "Bruce" Forsyth made an immediate impact when he made an important clearance on 4 minutes. Matt Spring lofted a ball into the box, Fotiadis headed down and the on-loan Posh midfeilder cleared the ball to safety. More of that Richard and you will become a popular member of the Whaddon Road outfit.

After 12 minutes the Robins took the lead. Williams - who everyone thinks should be a regular 1st teamer - cut across the box before laying a ball to Russell Milton who slotted home from 15 yards for his second goal of the season.

Luton - last seasons Divison 3 runners up - responded by pressurisng the Cheltenham goal straight away. On 16 minutes Book tipped a shot by Skelton over the bar. 2 minutes after Book's save Luton should have equalised but Skelton chipped over the bar after being pt through by a Hughes through ball.

Steve Book denied last seasons Divison 3 top scorer Steve Howard with a fantastic save on 20 minutes. Emerson Boyce crossed from the right side and Howard headed towards goal but Book tipped it onto the bar and out. Book has come under pressure from fans, to be fair he makes his mistakes but the likes of Barthez and Seaman do to so I am personally happy to see him inbetween the sticks.

On half an hour Cheltenham managed just their 2nd shot, a Jamie Victory shot wide. More chances needed to be created if we were to extend are lead.

The Robins went in at half time with a 1 goal lead. But more chances were needed. Maybe breaking quicker from defensive situations which would mean more pace upfront needed. Should Allner have brought on Brayson for Naylor at half time? Your thoughts on the message baord please.

H/T 1-0

On 54 minutes Luton equalised and it was some goal. Cheltenham failed to deal with a set piece, the ball arrived to Chris Coyne 25 yards out and he thundered a shot through a sea of players and into the bottom corner of the net. If only a stuck out leg had got in the ball's path. What have I said about luck needed in this Division in previous match reports.

Luton were in control now and Fotiadis should have given them the lead 4 minutes later. He beat the off side trap after receiving a pass from Howard but was foiled by a superb save by Book. Another exampmle of him being a capable enough 'keeper in Divison 2.

It was all Luton pressure and with 20 minutes left on the watch they took a deserved lead. Half-time substitute Dean Crowe thundered a sht that Book turned away and Andrew Fotiadis - who nearly signed for Rushden last season - put the ball in the net from 8 yards. It was a bitter blow for the Robins who now had to chase the game to even claim a point.

2 minutes after falling behind Cheltenham had claims for a penalty turned down. Substitute Brayson was brought down in the area by ex Swindon man Sol Davis, the referee waved away Cheltenham's appeals. Moments afterwards Alsop forced Luton goalkeeper Cedric Berthelin into making a save.

2 minutes from the end Cheltenham had a golden opportunity to claim a point. Substitute Damian Spencer sent a through ball to the on rushing John Finniagn - my favourite Cheltenham player! - but he sent his shot wide under pressure from Boyce. How costly will that miss be at the end of the season. We'll wait and see.

4 minutes of added time was allocated but it was Luton who had the remaining chances of the game. Crowe had a shot superbly blocked by substitute John Brough and Crowe again had a chance deap into stoppage time but headed wide of the target.

The full time whistle went with the scoreline 2-1 to the Hatters. 4 defeats in a row now but atleast today wasnt a thrashing. Hopefully with a large crowd at Whaddon Road next Saturday we can do our best as fans to cheer the lads on to hopefully 3 points against QPR. Grant McCann will be back from International duty for that match. All players will need to be on top form if were to claim anything from that match.

Us here at www.cheltenhamtown.tk appreciate your comments on the mesage baord whether your an away fan or a Robins follower. Fire away with your comments!

F/T 1-2