Poor show at Sheffield ends hopes

By chelt_mad
January 9 2003

To be honest there were very few positives to take from this.The fact that most were fearing a drubbing didn't help but there will be better days.For those who went they all enjoyed the day except for the part between 3-5pm

Any hopes of progressing in the world's oldest cup competition were wiped away within 20 minutes as Sheffield United hit Cheltenham twice with 2 goals that could have been avoided.

The first came after 9 minutes when Murphy pounced after the ball wasn't cleared to knock in from 6 yards.Another goal was to come on 20 minutes as a cross by Kabba was smashed in by John Paul McGovern from the centre of the penalty area.

Cheltenham survived until half time and even managed a few chances.At half time there was the hope that an early goal would put us back in it.

Some good play meant that Cheltenham were always threatening but the game was killed off by a close range goal by Steve Kabba.Cheltenham still pushed for a consolation but in truth it never looked likely.

Steve Kabba then made it 4-0 with a close range header.Martin Devaney had the best chance for Cheltenham when it looked a better opition to shoot than dribble. Neil Howarth also took one touch too many when in a good position

So with our interest in the cup over its now time to turn our attention to the league starting with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

F/T 0-4

SHEFFIELD UNITED: Kenny, Jagielka, Murphy, Page, Kozluk, McGovern, Montgomery, McCall(Javary 76), Tonge(Smith 80), Peschisolido(Ten Heuvel 66), Kabba

CHELTENHAM TOWN:Book, Howarth, Brough, M.Duff, Victory, Devaney, Forsyth, Yates, Finnigan(Simpkins 85), McAuley(Alsop 58), Spencer (Brayson 76)

Attendance 9,166