Cheltenham Town are now only one point from safety following an entertaining draw against Walsall on Saturday. The Robins, lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, made a bright start and had the game’s first effort on four minutes as Elvis Hammond’s powerful effort was smothered by Clayton Ince. Three minutes later and Cheltenham threatened again as link up play between Hammond and Barry Hayles saw Josh Payne go close with a low drive.
The pressure continued as Lee Ridley saw his twenty- yard effort spectacularly turned away by Ince. The resultant corner presented Hammond with another chance, but he miskicked from just five yards out. Walsall were struggling to impose themselves on the game, but nearly broke the deadlock on twenty seven minutes as Michael Ricketts lobbed onto the bar following some careless Cheltenham defending.
Five minutes later and the Saddlers came even closer as Troy Deeney struck the post with Scott Brown well beaten. The rest of the half was an even affair as Cheltenham’s bright start faded. One more opportunity did present itself though, as John Finnigan’s throughball was fired straight at Ince by Hammond.
The second period began evenly as Alex Nicholls fired over for Walsall, before Finnigan’s effort was deflected behind at the other end. The Robins even had the ball in the net in the fifty fourth minute following Ian Westlake’s throughball, but it was ruled out for offside. Nicholls had another clear sight of goal a minute later, but his effort was well smothered by Brown in the Cheltenham goal.
With twenty five minutes remaining, Martin Allen made his first substitution as Damian Spencer was replaced by Jonathan Hayes. The rest of the game saw Cheltenham have most of the possession without ever making it pay, with Walsall creating the better chances.
The seventy first minute saw Ricketts have a header cleared off the line by Andy Gallinagh, following a miscued punch by Brown. The final chance of the game saw Payne shoot wide for Cheltenham, having been played through. So overall, an entertaining game which both sides had chances to win, but ultimately the Robins will see this as two points dropped.
Player Ratings
Scott Brown 5
Made a couple of good saves and distributed the ball well. But, does look as assured as Shane Higgs on crosses.
Dave Bird 7
Playing out of position, but still as solid as ever. Put in a couple of useful crosses when he got forward.
Lee Ridley 6
Was very solid at left back and his long throw is a useful asset going forward.
Darren Kenton 7
As mentioned above the former Leeds man continues to improve at the heart of the Robins defence.
Andy Gallinagh 6
A mixed game, with some well won headers but some equally poor distribution as well.
John Finnigan 6
Still not looking totally match fit, but did the hard graft in the centre of midfield.
Ian Westlake 6
Another player who continues to improve by the game. Looked comfortable on the ball and distributed it well.
Josh Payne 6
A few nice touches from the West Ham man in the final game of his loan spell. Not his most dominate display though.
Damian Spencer 6
Won the ball well in the air and worked hard. Some typically bad touches as well, but was effective on the whole.
Barry Hayles 7
Worked hard for the cause and had some neat link up play with Hammond. Reads the game well and plays in the Tony Naylor mould.
Elvis Hammond 6
Provides a good outlet with his pace and does look threatening. Needs to show some more composure at times though.
Jonathan Hayes 7
Did well in what could be his final game for the Robins. Willing to take his man on and won several corners doing so.
Alex Russell 6
The former Bristol City man had little time to impose himself, but did well in his fifteen minute cameo.
Was only on the pitch for five minutes and nearly scored a disastrous own goal. His days are numbered.
