Cheltenham Town took another step towards League Two safety with a 2-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra this afternoon. Richards bagged a brace and a confident defensive display ensured the Robins went home happy.

Yates will be happy with his team's confident display and especially pleased with some decent individual performances from Low, Duff and Richards.

Three changes were made to the starting line-up that beat Lincoln City on Saturday with Alsop, Ridley and Elito all making way for Hayles, Andrew and Gallinagh respectively. Gallinagh slotted in at right back with Dave Bird and Josh Low supplying the midfield width. Danny Andrew filled the left back role and Barry Hayles replaced the record breaking Julian Alsop to partner Richards up front.

4: First chance of the game fell to Dave Bird. Barry Hayles controlled the ball well on the left wing following a long ball from Low and his cross into space found Bird who put his 25 yard effort over the bar.

10: Long range effort from Pook following some decent build up play but it was an easy one for Phillips to collect.

25 GOAL: Long ball across the pitch from Low found Pook on the right wing. His cross into the area found Justin Richards who produced a fine piece of control and calmly placed the ball past Phillips to put Cheltenham 1-0 up. That was an eleventh goal of the season for Richards.

33: Awful attempt at goal from Shaun Miller who found himself with a lot of room in Cheltenham's area. He failed to convert the cross though and saw his effort fly over the stand.

35: The Robins capitalised on some sloppy Crewe play with Josh Low stealing the ball from Mitchel-King. The ball found it's way to Pook who tried an ambitious shot from 30 yards but saw it fly straight into the stand.

44: Cheltenham have done well going forward in this half and an opportunity was presented to Thornhill just outside the box following some good play from Hayles but the young midfielder's shot was a weak one and Phillips gathered it up with ease.

45: Long range effort from Josh Low who cut inside from the left wing but his effort flew high and wide. Danny Andrew almost put Cheltenham 2-0 up soon after but his shot went just wide of the right hand post.

Half Time: Crewe 0-1 Robins

53: Good start to the second half for Cheltenham who look dangerous going forward.

55: Donaldson struck a long range shot but it was blasted straight into Shane Duff which caused Cheltenham's club captain to fall flat on the floor. Duff has had a very good game so far.

57 SUBSTITUTION: Calvin Zola replaced Luke Murphy for Crewe.

65: The introduction of Zola has lifted the Crewe home support and he's definately added something to their attack but the Robins are defending well.

68: Fine individual effort from Calvin Zola. He outpaced Danny Andrew to cut inside but couldn't quite finish the move off and Brown gathered up with a comfortable save.

71 GOAL: Shane Duff was fouled by O'Donnell in the area and Richards stepped up to finish with confidence from the penalty spot.

76: Phillips was tested by Josh Low. The winger hit a low shot in at goal and forced the Crewe goalkeeper into a decent save. Cheltenham's build p play today has been fantastic.

77 SUBSTITUTION: Carl Martin was subbed on for the disappointing Danny O'Donnell.

81: Steven Schumacher gives Scott Brown his first real test of the game with a good strike from 20 yards but the Robins keeper was equal to it and pushed the ball away from danger.

86 SUBSTITUTION: Ashley Eastham replaced Michael Townsend.

89 BOOKING: Barry Hayles was yellow carded.

90 GOAL: Crewe's Carl Martin put Crewe back in contention with a decent drive following a Schumacher freekick.

90+4 SUBSTITUTION: Louis Almond was brought on to replace Barry Hayles.

90+5: Josh Low hit the crossbar after cutting in from the left wing. Great individual play from Low.

Full Time: Crewe 1-2 Robins

Crewe Alexandra (4-4-2): Phillips (GK); Brayford (C), O'Donnell (Martin 77), Mitchel-King, Tootle; Murphy (Zola 57), Schumacher, Bailey, Grant; Miller, Donaldson

Subs not used: Legzdins (GK), Ada, Shelley, Worley, Walton

Cheltenham Town (4-4-2): S.P. Brown (GK); Gallinagh, Townsend (C) (Eastham 86), Duff, Andrew; Bird, Pook, Thornhill, Low; Hayles (Almond 90), Richards

Subs not used: Puddy (GK), Ridley, Brown, Hutton, Alsop

Referee: A. Haines

Attendance: 3,488 (247 from Cheltenham)

Robins Star Man: Justin Richards - An assured and confident display from the striker who scored his 11th and 12th Cheltenham Town goals today.

James Brown from Gresty Road