Preview: Fleetwood Town

11 February 2022

The first of three Kids for a Quid matchdays sees Cheltenham Town take on Fleetwood Town on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).

It's another important League One contest for the Robins as they look to increase the gap between themselves and the League One drop zone.

Fleetwood are similarly looking to do the same, and given how events turned out in the opening month of the season when they last met, it's all set to be another tight affair at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.

Under-16s can watch the game for just £1 if they buy before midnight using the voucher code QUIDKID online. Tickets are also £2 cheaper for all fans when purchasing before midnight on Friday online.

Team news

A decision will be made on whether Conor Thomas is fit enough to be involved after a recent calf injury.

Sean Long, Dan Nlundulu (pictured), Ellis Chapman, George Lloyd and Charlie Brown all meanwhile remain out due to injury.

Dylan Barkers has joined Gloucester City on loan so is unavailable, while Jamie Soule could make his debut if he features.

Media talk

Boss Michael Duff is aware of a team who are dangerous from set plays ahead of their visit to Gloucestershire.

"They're very similar to ourselves. You can dress it up how you want, they've not won in five but they've only lost one in five," he said.

"We know it'll be a difficult game. They beat us at their place. They are good at set plays and they've definitely got goals in the team.

"They can flip to one or two formations. They can quite comfortably go to a three or a 4-3-3."

Watch the full pre-match press conference with the Robins boss for free on iFollow.

Opposition

A run of four consecutive draws has maintained Fleetwood's position just above the League One relegation zone. They've only lost two of their last 11 games and have improved since a run between October and December that saw them fail to register a win.

In midweek they held promotion chasing MK Dons to a draw and have enjoyed some noteworthy wins over the last few weeks which have included defeating Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers.

They've bolstered their attacking options in the January transfer window with the signing of Ellis Harrison from Portsmouth, while Daniel Butterworth has signed on loan from Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Add in the experience of former Republic of Ireland international Anthony Pilkington and another January recruit, Harvey Macadam, who has made the step up from non-league football, and they offer plenty of threat going forward.

At the back Robins fans will be familiar with former left back Danny Andrew as he returns to the Jonny-Rocks Stadium. He carries with him a dangerous set piece threat, while ex-Preston North End man Tom Clarke offers a useful presence at the back - he scored for them when the two sides met earlier on in the season.

The manager: Stephen Crainey

In December 2021 former Scotland international Stephen Crainey was confirmed as Fleetwood's permanent Head Coach until the end of the season after a positive caretaker spell in charge.

He had been responsible for leading the under-23s at Highbury Stadium before stepping up to replace Simon Grayson when he left the club in November. He is assisted by former Scotland teammate Barry Nicholson.

A left back in his playing days, Crainey played in the Premier League for Southampton and Blackpool and also represented Celtic, Leeds United, Wigan Athletic and AFC Fylde in his playing career, as well as his current employers.

Tickets

Supporters have until midnight to take advantage of the Kids for a Quid offer. Under-16s can watch the game for £1 when using the voucher code QUIDKID online. Tickets are also £2 cheaper for all age categories when bought before midnight on Friday.

You can buy on the day before kick-off. For the Colin Farmer Stand this is for the ticket point next to the Parklands turnstiles, for the Autovillage Stand from the ticket office and for standing areas from the ticket collection point next to the bowls club.

Pre-paid tickets are available to collect for the Autovillage Stand, Paddock, Tunnel and Optimising IT Stand from the ticket collection point in the car park, while for the Colin Farmer Stand they're available next to the Parklands turnstiles.

Match programme

The main interview is with Tuesday night goal scoring hero Elliot Bonds. He discusses his return to full fitness, his international experiences and more.

There are also other reads featuring Michael Duff, Liam Sercombe, the club's history, Ladies, Academy and much more.

The programme is available to buy around the stadium for £3. It can also be bought online.

Coverage

Listen: Buy an audio match pass on iFollow for £2.50 for full match commentary. Coverage is also available on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Social media: Track how events unfold in the game by following @CTFCofficial on Twitter. There will also be score updates available on Facebook and Instagram.

Website: Make a visit to the website after the game to read the report and watch the post-match press conferences.

Highlights: Extended highlights will be available on iFollow. You can watch short highlights on YouTube and there will also be the goals shown on Quest and Sky Sports.

Match Reports

Report & highlights: Robins 2-0 Fleetwood Town

12 February 2022

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Cheltenham Town v Fleetwood Town - Extended highlights - Sat 12th February 2022

Extended highlights of Cheltenham Town v Fleetwood Town, Sat 12th February 2022 in the Sky Bet League One

Cheltenham Town cruised to 2-0 victory against Fleetwood Town with goals from Alfie May and Charlie Raglan.

May scored his 11th League goal from a powerful strike inside the penalty area, which was assisted by January signing Aaron Ramsey.

Success continued for the Robins as Raglan headeed in from close distance, after a perfect cross by defensive partner Mattie Pollock.

Fleetwood failed to trouble Cheltenham keeper Owen Evans, and ultimately it was a comfortable match for Michael Duff’s side which capped off an excellent week following the midweek 2-1 win against Sunderland.

“They’re a dangerous team Fleetwood, but it was comfortable because we were good,” said Duff.

“It could’ve been more because we’ve hit the crossbar, hit the post, and I didn’t think we looked in any sort of danger.”

The game began with a half chance for Kion Etete who pounced on the loose ball following a series of errors at the back for Fleetwood, but the loanee opted to pass to May and the ball was intercepted.

Matty Blair struck the bar against his former team after a well-worked counter-attack, but despite the strong start the Robins couldn’t get in front.

Towards the end of the first half, the Robins had another spell of possession where Ramsey and Callum Wright linked up well along the right touchline. The Leicester loanee found Etete at the back post with a good cross, but his header rose above the crossbar.

Finally the Robins broke the deadlock through top goal scorer May. Fleetwood 'keeper Alex Cairns managed to get a hand to it, but the strike was too powerful to keep out and May soared away in celebration.

Just before half time, Cheltenham doubled their lead through Raglan netting his first of the season. There was some great defensive link-up for the goal, as Pollock whipped in a pin-point cross to the 28-year-old who headed in the second of the half.

The Robins continued their dominant hold on the match, as Etete and Ramsey completed a flurry of passes near the away area. Eventually Etete found strike partner May, but the forwards effort travelled down the middle of the Fleetwood goal.

Evans was pulled into action in the 53rd minute, stopping defender Zak Jules from pulling one back for the visiting side with a header, but it was comfortable for Cheltenham’s number one.

Cheltenham controlled the game effortlessly for the second half, with Fleetwood struggling to create any attacks.

With less than ten minutes on the clock, Wright fired towards goal however it cannoned off the post and spared the travelling fans eyes from seeing a third go in.

Duff’s side continued their dominance on the ball and saw the match out comfortably to make it back-to-back wins in the League again.

ROBINS (3-5-2): Evans, Pollock, Raglan, Boyle (c); Blair, Wright, Ramsey, Etete, Bonds, Williams, May.

Subs not used: Flinders (Gk), Freestone, Sercombe, Colkett, Soule, Williams, Hutchinson.

FLEETWOOD TOWN (4-2-3-1): Cairns, Andrew (c), Jules, Butterworth, Harrison, Pilkington (Hayes 66), Batty (Boyle 70), Johnson (Macadam 56), Biggins, Lane, Nsiala.

Subs not used: O’Hara (Gk), Clarke, Morris, Johnston.

REFREEE: R Madley

ATTENDANCE: 3,517 (130 away)

Ticket News

Kids for a Quid on Saturday against Fleetwood

9 February 2022

Under-16s can watch Saturday's home fixture against Fleetwood Town for just £1 when buying tickets in advance online.

Saturday's game is the first of three Kids for a Quid fixtures at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.

Kick-off on the weekend is at 3pm and all under-16s can benefit from £1 entry when purchasing before midnight on Friday.

Following Tuesday's big win over Sunderland this Saturday's clash with the Cod Army is another important match as we aim to build on that victory over the Black Cats.

To take advantage of this great offer head online and use the voucher code QUIDKID.

• On the ticket system add the tickets to your basket
• Click ‘apply discounts’ with the relevant number required
• Use the code QUIDKID
• Select ‘apply promo code’

The offer applies to under-16s only. Under-18s remain at standard price for the game.

Full match prices apply on the day so be sure to buy in advance. The offer is also open to Fleetwood supporters.

Please note all under-14s must be accompanied by an adult when attending matches at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.