Cheltenham in need of strike action

As Cheltenham fell to a third consecutive defeat on Saturday afternoon, the feeling around Whaddon Road was again one of frustration. But, in contrast to the previous match against Hereford, this couldn`t be directed at the Robins players or the match officials. The frustration could only be felt at the luck which deserted the team in front of goal. Admittedly, this was still a far from perfect display, but to hit the woodwork three times and come away with nothing was a bitter pill to swallow. The switch to a more fluid 4-4-2 formation from the rigid midfield diamond, gave the Robins added width and much more attacking potency. Medy Elito, making his debut on loan from Colchester, looked dangerous and supplied some good crosses from the left flank, but should have been supported better by his team mates.

Movement and awareness off the ball is still a major issue for Cheltenham and if they were to address this then they would make so much more of the opportunities that come their way. Mark Yates made the point that Lee Ridley was acting as a defensive foil for Elito with the added danger of Simon Whaley on the Chesterfield right also influencing Yates`s decision. As solid as Ridley is though, his inability to move forward positively with the ball can be very frustrating. Perhaps in the future the inclusion of Danny Andrew would help the Robins attacking threat on the left flank, with the Peterborough left back able to supply accurate set pieces as well. If this wasn`t to happen then there would seem little point in keeping hold of Andrew, as funds could be better used elsewhere.

The other debutant Aaron Lescott also performed well, despite giving away the penalty which resulted in the winning goal for Chesterfield. On the basis of Saturday`s display he looks a better fit at right back than Dave Bird and seemed a lot more comfortable on the ball than most of his team mates. He linked well with Josh Low and will hopefully go on to be an important figure between now and the season`s end. Despite these positives the need for another striker is still all too apparent and with Elvis Hammond`s predictable departure, Cheltenham now have only three experienced strikers on their books. If Yates could find the man to put away chances like those created on Saturday, then relegation will surely be staved off. But, that is certainly easier said than done. For all the good work Barry Hayles and Julian Alsop do, most of this is with their backs to goal and neither of them are fast enough to react to what the other is doing and potential openings go to waste.

Grimsby`s first victory in twenty five games has now cut the deficit between them and Cheltenham to just four points. By the conclusion of Saturday`s clash at Burton, the Robins could find themselves in the relegation zone and alarm bells would surely be ringing. But, if you are to take the positives of the weekend and add in a new striker to the equation then things look much brighter. Here`s hoping that Mark Yates can find the missing piece to the jigsaw in time to save the club’s football league status.