Battling Robins edged out

Despite a fourth consecutive defeat, Martin Allen and his team will be able to take the positives from Saturday’s clash with Leeds. The game got off to an inauspious for the Robins as Luciano Becchio netted the seventh minute winner from Frazer Richardson’s right wing cross.

But, after Lee Ridley’s switch to a defensive midfield role, the Robins began to impose themselves on the game. The teenage duo of Josh Payne and Lewis Montrose were permitted more attacking licence and it was Montrose who had Cheltenham’s first effort in the 17th minute with a wild volley.

Leeds still threatened at the other end though, as Shane Higgs dealt with efforts from Jermaine Beckford and Fabian Delph. Beckford blazed another effort over the bar shortly afterwards, before the Robins had their best chance on the stroke of half time, as Scott Murray seased on some hesitant defending and sent a low effort just wide of Casper Ankergren’s goal.

The second period saw a more sustained period of pressure from the home side, as Paul Connor was twice denied by Ankergren. With 20 minutes remaining Damian Spencer was summoned from the bench and combined with fellow sub Gavin Caines to force Ankergren into action once again. But still the Robins weren’t able to find any clear cut openings and it was Leeds who finished the stronger as Becchio and Beckford were again thwarted by Higgs.

Player Ratings

Shane Higgs 7
Made several fine saves on his return to team. Could do little about the goal.

Andy Gallinagh 5
Looked lost at times against the Leeds frontline, but was committed to the cause and put in some solid tackles.

Alan Wright 6
Still struggling to rediscover the impressive form of last season. Did ok here, some good passing and solid tackling.

Darren Kenton 6
Was shaky at times, but is beginning to build a solid partnership with Drissa Diallo.

Driss Diallo 7
Another assured display from the African. Martin Allen will surely be wanting to make his move permanent in January.

Scott Murray 5
Was largely anonymous throughout the game, but will have been disappointed to have missed one of Cheltenham’s more clear cut openings.

Lewis Montrose 6
Began to impose more as the game went on and did little wrong.

Josh Payne 8
Seems to improve by the game and it is hard to believe he is still only 17. A dominant display showing great skill and determination.

Lee Ridley 7
Playing for his future at the club and did himself little harm here in two unfamiliar roles.

Jonathan Hayes 7
Worked hard throughout the game and continually pressured the Leeds defence.

Paul Connor 7
A typical display from the hard working target man, will have been disappointed not to get a goal for his efforts.

Damian Spencer 6
Returning from a six month lay off the crowd favourite gave a typically bustling display.

Gavin Caines 5
Had little time to make an impression up front.