Fighting for the finish line

Whilst factors beyond Cheltenham`s control (namely Grimsby`s late winner against Bournemouth) meant the gap between the Robins and the relegation zone was cut to four points on Saturday, the weekend`s events at Whaddon Road gave the impression that the current team have just enough to stay in League Two this season. Mark Yates`s side will face lesser opposition than Port Vale between now and the end of the campaign and if they play as they did against the Valiants then safety should be assured. The Robins next two fixtures (against Macclesfield and Lincoln) certainly look winnable and if they can reach the standards of Saturday then the current points tally should hopefully be added to.

The weekend`s clash was a thoroughly entertaining affair and the draw was ultimately a fair result. Vale shaded the opening half, whilst Cheltenham had chances to win it in the second. The defence performed well and there was pace and creativity going forward. The returning David Bird and Matt Thornhill performed well, whilst the pace and trickery of Medy Elito could be a vital weapon in the coming weeks. Debutant Louis Almond also looked a worthwhile acquisition and will surely improve once he gets to know his team mates better. His off the ball running and awareness adds a much needed dimension to the Robins forward line, coupled with his ability to move out to the channels and support the midfield.

Given Cheltenham`s current situation it is difficult to look further than the season’s end. Many of the current squad may well depart Whaddon Road in the next few months, but whoever turns out for the Robins next season will be there through the choice of the manager. It`s a double edged sword for Yates in that he has the freedom to do what he pleases in the summer months, but the XI that lines up for the start of the 2010/2011 season will very much be his team, bringing its own added pressure.

But, for now, the immediate aim is to preserve Cheltenham`s league status. Today I completed the BBC`s League Two predictor, which gives you the final standings in the fourth tier after you have guessed all the results between now and the season`s end. I was as unbiased as I could be and the Robins finished in 21st place, four points clear of relegation. Such an outcome would be welcomed by everyone connected to the club and work towards this can start in earnest on Saturday at Moss Rose.