The Opposition View - Cheltenham

Following yesterday's 2-1 win over Cheltenham Town, here are some views on the game from the Robins' manager Mark Yates and a few of their fans.

In his post-match interview Yates said some poor decisions cost his side the game.

"I thought we were more than a match for a very good team," he said. "I thought we should have had a stonewall penalty and I've just asked the lads to be totally honest with me, they say it was 100%, I said don't kid me cos I'm going to go and say something to the press now, don't make a fool of me, and I trust my boys and that looked a penalty from where I was, and the boys said it was an absolute certainty, and a minute later we're 2-0 down."

"I thought we showed tremendous character. They're a good side, we knew that before the game and we know that now, but I think they'll know we're a decent side as well."

"We didn't get the breaks today but as long as I get the workrate and the quality that I got today I'll be delighted."

"I thought we were really good and the decisions don't go for us. The penalty, the goal disallowed, a few different things - we could so easily be talking about a win today, I'm proud of them and I think if we get that for the next eighteen games, we'll get where we want to be."


Most Cheltenham fans accepted that their side were second best on the night, and they weren't as sure as Yates about the 'stonewall penalty' either.

The following extracts are taken from Robins Nest.


hEaLeR wrote:
'Fair play. Wycombe are a decent side and have the edge on us at the moment in terms of quality.......but we were denied a stonewall penalty by another dire official. Wes was hacked down and he was 10 yards away!! On the other hand, I also thought Wycombe should have had a pen first half. Eastham smashed into one of their strikers. Can't fault the lads, beaten by a better side. Ainsworth again was excellent.'


12 albion place wrote:
'I don't think it was a penalty, he wasn't hacked down, he went down after his first touch went out for a goal kick, none of the other players even appealed for one, I thought the ref got it right.'


Gavin wrote:
'It wasn't a penalty. Wes kicked the ball off and it was out of play before the bloke caught him. No player complained, so just because the supporters appeal doesn't mean it's automatically stonewall. The ref was ok and didn't do anything to affect the result of the match. We lost to a better team and we have to wear it.'


shevates wrote:
"I thought Thomas had lost control of the ball. Was it a pen? I wouldn't have been too happy if it was the other way round and it had been given against us. As for Wycombe, they are a strong side who play some decent football, have a lot of experience in their squad, and a manager who has done well at this level."


Nesty wrote:
'WW are a class side, we are still doing very well, first away defeat since October isn't it? We can bounce back.'


Malabus (aka Red and White Forever / CTFCWarlord) wrote:
'Stonewall penalty, goal disallowed in the first half - Football League really don't wish us to be here.'


taxidave wrote:
'Mal, like me, you weren't even there.'


Next Game: Wycombe v Port Vale - Sat 5th February - 3.00pm

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