Robins scores for the Robins against the Robins!

By Peegs
March 1 2003

Robins scored for the Robins against the Robins as early as the 2nd minute as Cheltenham fell to another Division 2 defeat, the score being 3-1 to Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Bobby Gould made 2 changes to the line up. The long awaited return of John Finnigan to the starting line up and a starting place for Damian Spencer, inplace of Hugh McAuley and Tony Naylor.

The game got off to the worst possible start. City won an early corner, this was palyed short to Mickey Bell, he simply swung the ball in and Robins tucked a free header home from 8 yards, a simple goal, the type of goal we haven't been able to score this year.

Cheltenham were all over the place and City had a goal ruled out on 17 minutes, Christian Roberts headed a cross from Brown into the net but was ajudged to have fouled Book in the process.

However 3 minutes later Bristol City doubled their lead. This goal was a bit forunate as a ricochet saw the ball cannon to the edge of the area and into space for the onrushing Aaron Brown - brother of Cheltenham loanee Marvin - he tucked the ball calmy past the on rushing Book, a lucky goal but again the type of goal Cheltenham haven't scored this season.

The Cider Reds continued to press forward in the first half and had further chances, Doherty and Brown both had chances which they put wide of the target. Could Cheltenham punish Bristol for missing these chances?

With half time upon us and Cheltenham having offered nothing in the first half it was somewhat of a lifeline when Grant McCann pulled a goal back on the stroke of halftime. Alsop was fouled (yes you heard right Alsop was awarded a free kick!) by Tony Butler on the edge of the area. McCann stepped up and curled a shot in the near post.

H/T 1-2

No subs were made at half time by either manager but Bobby Gould would have undoubtedly demanded more from his team. Cheltenham carved open an early 2nd half chance, McCann and Victory combined down theleft and Victory sent a cross into Alsop who was free in the area, but he couldn't control the ball and the chance went begging. If Mark Robins had been in that position you can bet your botton dollar it would have been a goal.

Tony Naylor was sent on for the again dissapointing Spencer after 60 minutes and he was booked after being on he pitch for just 6 minutes for a foul on Loius Carey. Well done Tone!

Although domminating the game Cheltenham couldn't break down the Bristol City defence, a lack of a Divison 2 creative genius in midfield and a 20 goal Division 2 striker were never found, Swindon proved that you don't have to break the bank to get a top striker (Sam Parkin 20 goals free transfer) so why didn't we get anyone? Questions that will probably remain unanswered.

Bristol City added a third goal in injury time, Aaron got free on the left, he crossed and Liam Rosenior tapped in at the far post, yes he is the son of former Gloucester City boss Leroy, that just added insult to injury.

As we get even closer to relegation what we can hang onto is the hope that in the next 4 games we play to relegation rivals - Northampton and Mansfield -, Swindon and QPR. We are now 5 points away from safety and it is now critical if we have any hope of staying up that we string sonme wins together. Swindon on Wednesday woudl be a good place to start.

As always your views on the match, relegation and reports of player rifts in the dressing room are welcome on the cheltenhamtown.tk message board

F/T 1-3

BRISTOL CITY: Phillips, Carey, Butler, Hill, Bell, Roberts (Beadle 87), Doherty, Burnell, Brown, Peacock, Robins (Rosenior 61).

CHELTENHAM TOWN: Book, Jones, M.Duff (Brough 88), Victory, Devaney (Bird 88), Yates, Finnigan, McCann, Spencer (Naylor 59), Alsop.

Attendance 11,711