Cheltenham Town manager Keith Downing interviewed after the 1-0 Carling Cup first round win at Southend United:

"It was an excellent performance and a great response after Saturday. We came with a bit of a game plan and it really worked. I was delighted with the players' effort and application and they played really well with the system. A lot of players were carrying injuries as the game progressed and there were some brave performances today.

"I was conscious of not trying to open ourselves up too much because I think we did that on Saturday and conceded four goals. It suited the players with Craig Armstrong sitting in front of the back four and it gave licence for Alex Russell to get forward and for David Bird to use his energy to try and get on the end of moves. Most importantly, though, it's about the players and their effort and application was superb tonight.

"Ben Gill's attributes are going forward and I'm not sure at the moment about his defensive duties in a two man central midfield. Perhaps the system we played tonight suits him but I'm delighted for him because he's had to be very patient and wait for his chance.

"I'd like a good draw for the Chairman because he takes a bit of stick. People say that he doesn't back the team but he has tried really hard and made the funds available for new players over the last few weeks. It would be nice to get a good home draw and a good crowd at Whaddon Road, particularly for a night game because you get a good atmosphere then.

"It was great to win but the only downside was the extra half hour and we had a lot of bodies on the treatment table after the game. We'll try and look after them over the next couple of days so that we are ready for the first home match on Saturday. I'd like to get some more new faces in for the weekend and if we can do that it will give the whole place another lift."

SEASON TICKET COLLECTION

Anyone intending to collect their 2008/09 season ticket on Saturday should pick their new season ticket booklet up from the relevant matchday ticket collection point for that area of the ground.