Robins looking for league success after cup boost

Three years ago this month, Cheltenham progressed to the second round of the FA Cup following a scrappy victory over Carlisle. This result halted an alarming slide which had seen the Robins lose their three previous games. Following on from this victory, Cheltenham only lost one league game until the end of January and ended the season with promotion.

Back in the present day and following cup success this week against Oldham, the Robins will be hoping that result will have a similar effect on their league form as in 2005. Ironically, it is against Carlisle tomorrow that the Robins have the chance to begin such a run of results.

It has been an intriguing seven days at Whaddon Road. There was much optimism ahead of last Saturday’s clash with Hereford, which was soon dampened by a crushing 3-0 defeat. The damage was some what repaired with Tuesday’s success at Boundary Park and fans will be hoping for more of the same in Cumbria tomorrow.

The credit for the recovery from last weekend’s disappoint has to go to Martin Allen of course. Although debate continues about the mass changes seen in his two months at the club, there were certain questions answered by Tuesday’s victory.

Allen is payed to make decisions and there were certainly some bold ones made for the Oldham game. Shane Higgs was uncermoniously replaced by Scott Brown, along with a further four outfield changes. A first clean sheet since August would seem to vindicate Allen’s choice here.

The win on Tuesday also highlights Allen’s key strength as a motivator. To bounce back with a victory against a team which beat the Robins 4-0 less than three months speaks volumes of the man.

Tomorrow’s game looks to be a very different challenge than it did three weeks ago. Greg Abbott has replaced former Cheltenham boss John Ward and the Cumbrians were victorious against Brighton last week. That, along with the fact that the Robins haven’t won away from home in League One since the clash with Leeds six months ago, would suggest this is a tough assignment for Martin Allen’s men. But, the heroics of last March and Tuesday night will give some cause for optimism.