Cheltenham Town FC

The Robins slotted into a 3-5-2 formation with Storer being used again in the unfamiliar position of the third centre back alongside Parslow and O’Shaughnessy.

 

Munns, usually played on the left or in front of a midfield two, was deployed slightly deeper behind Pell and Dayton in the role becoming commonly known as ‘quarterback’.

 

Bath provided sterner opposition than previous sides faced this pre-season campaign, knocking the ball around nicely with ex-Robin Stuart Fleetwood leading the line.

 

The first chance of the game fell to Holman. He intercepted Romans ‘keeper Phillips’ poor pass but had his effort blocked.

 

Bath weren’t just sitting back, right-back Rigg got forward well but his cross evaded McCootie’s head.

 

McCootie and Pell both had efforts well over the bar before Holman wriggled away from two City defenders, but his shot was over too.

 

A neat move involving Pell and Barthram set up Morgan-Smith whose flicked header cleared the crossbar. Morgan-Smith then turned provider, teeing up Holman whose shot was uncharacteristically way over.

 

Cheltenham made six changes going into the second half, keeping Lovett, the back three and Barthram on, as they looked to seize control of the game.

The second 45 followed the same trend as the first; uneventful with glimpses of good football. Bath substitute Monthe went close with a low drive just edging past the post.

The Robins were struggling to keep hold of possession as Bath started to come into the game, with winger Waktins coming alive.

Cheltenham should have taken the lead when a flicked header in the box fell to Wright, but his touch was too far to the left and Phillips saved well.

The Robins finally took the lead when a perfectly weighted Rowe through ball was lifted over Phillips' head by Danny Wright.

It could have been two shortly after but Waters moved into an offside position before stabbing wide. Cheltenham did have the ball in the net again but the flag was up for offside again as Wright tucked it home. 

Asa Hall flicked home from a Rowe corner to make it 2-0 with virtually the last kick of the game.