Match Report - Robins 1-4 Bristol Rovers

15 October 2022

The Robins fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Bristol Rovers at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.

Liam Sercombe got the only goal of the game for the Robins from the penalty spot after going into the break 4-0 down.

It was a bright start for the Robins as Sean Long got on the end of a Sercombe corner early on, however, he couldn’t direct it goalwards as it floated over the bar.

A miscommunication at the back saw Aaron Collins nick the ball high up the pitch before turning it in to give the visitors the lead after a quarter of an hour.

Cheltenham went in hunt of an immediate reply, with Sercombe whipping in the corner before Ben Williams’ shot required a deflection to carry it wide of the goal.

The resulting corner was headed on goal by Lewis Freestone, just to be cleared off the line by Jordan Rossiter to keep it out of Rover's net.

Rovers went on the attack again, with goal-scorer Aaron Collins turning provider with his cross met by Ryan Loft at the back post to double the Gas’ lead.

The Gas would then add another through Bobby Thomas, who headed home from a corner in front of the Optimising IT Stand.

Cheltenham continued to push for a goal, with Williams charging down the left-hand side, his cross found Jackson in the box, whose resulting ball couldn't be tuned home by Broom.

A lucky ball over the top found Collins for Rovers, who tucked the ball home to make it four for the visitors.

At the start of the second half, Freestone’s cross-field ball found Jackson who stormed into the box, only to pulled down to win a penalty for the Robins.

Sercombe stepped up to the spot to fire the ball into the back of the net to pull one back for the Robins just minutes into the second half.

In an attempt to pull another one back, Jackson played the ball up the field to Broom who found himself in on goal, however, a smart save from James Belshaw saw his effort into the side netting.

Robins – Southwood, Long, Williams, Freestone, Sercombe, Nlundulu (Olayinka 81), Taylor, Jackson, Bonds, Perry (Norton 81), Broom

Un-used Substitutes – MacDonald, Bradbury, Brown, Chapman, Adshead

Bristol Rovers – Belshaw, Gordon, Finley (McCormick 80), Collins (Clarke 90), Rossiter (Anderson 69), Coutts, Gibson (Hoole 90), Loft (Coburn 69), Evans, Gibbons, Thomas

Un-used Substitutes – Jasper, Jaakkola

Referee - S Barrott

Attendance - 5,145 (1430)

Ticket News

Match Pack: Bristol Rovers (H)

13 October 2022

The Robins return to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium to host Sky Bet League One rivals Bristol Rovers this Saturday (3PM KO).

After back-back home victories over Shrewsbury Town and Bolton Wanderers, the Robins fell to defeat at Hillsborough last weekend after facing Sheffield Wednesday.

Wade Elliott's side are looking to bounce back this weekend against the Gas, however Rovers manager Joey Barton has seen his side rise above Cheltenham in the league following a 1-0 win over MK Dons.

Despite the recent away loss to Sheffield Wednesday, Cheltenham’s home form gives them something to smile about, with two wins in the last two games at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.

Opponents Rovers are undefeated in their last four games, which includes victories over Crystal Palace U21’s and Cambridge United. Manager Barton will be keen to see his sides good form going on their trip to Cheltenham.

The Robins will be without Will Ferry for the fixture, with the wing-back under going a scan on a back injury.

“He's (Ferry) been excellent. He's just had a run of games and you were starting to see what Will is about and what he can offer us,” said Elliott.

“We are fortunate we do have good left wing-backs in the building. We have Ben Williams, who started the season but has had to bide his time a little bit with Will being in such good form.”

Watch the head coach's full press interview here.

Christian Norton has stepped up in his absence, starting in the last two games for the Robins.

“It’s been really good. I came in after being here last year but I feel im in a much better place this year,” revealed the 21-year-old.

“I’ve worked hard since I’ve been here, looking for the opportunity to get more starts and I feel as if I’ve done well so far.”

You can also watch Norton's full pre-match press conference here.

Tickets are still available for Saturday's game and fans are advised to purchase in advance to avoid queues on matchday. You can grab yours here now.

Prices vary across our stands, with adult prices ranging from £18-£26, students and over-65s between £13-£18, and £7-£10 for under-18s.

Seating tickets together can now only be found in the HGV Drivers UK Stand, with very limited space left in the Colin Farmer Stand. There's still good space in the terraces as well.

Tickets are only available online to supporters that already have an account registered as of 8th September 2022. You can also purchase tickets on Saturday from the ticket office, however prices will rise by £2 on the day.

If you are unable to attend the match, then listen to the action on iFollow.

You can find the details to get to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium down below.

There will be no car parking available for the match.

Also, the gates will open from 1:45PM to allow stewards and staff additional training time on the new ticketing system.

On arrival and around the ground, you will see our new food pods. These are cashless, and only card payments are accepted.

Check out our new 2022/23 Training Kit and Leisure Wear, available now from the club shop and online.

We have a new information hut at the ground, which is run by our supporter liason and disability assistance team. It's located in the car park on the right hand side as you enter, between the ticket collection booth and “Hungry Robins” outlet. The hut bears the logos of the Community Trust, Robins Trust, and Proud Robins, reflecting that we are all working together to support the club, represent fans and celebrate inclusion and diversity.

We aim to man the hut from around 1PM until just before kick-off on matchdays, and support with any disability assistance, provide access to free DAB radios, ear defenders and sensory packs, as well as taking bookings for our halftime cross bar challenge.

Cheltenham Town Football Club have been reported to the FA following the last two midweek home matches for supporters going onto the pitch. We must remind everyone that the pitch is out of bounds at all times and that entering the pitch is a criminal offence under the Football Spectators Act.

A new set of actions will be implemented across all English football leagues for the 2022/23 season and will be backed by the Football Supporters’ Association. They will target activity such as entering the pitch without permission, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects - as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.