Match Preview: Leyton Orient (H)

15 December 2023

Cheltenham Town are back in action at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium for the first time in three weeks as they host Richie Wellens' Leyton Orient on Saturday afternoon (3:00PM).

Darrell Clarke’s team is eager to reclaim their winning momentum in the upcoming clash against Orient, following a draw and a loss to Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic respectively.

Adding to the Robins optimism is the impressive performance of Will Goodwin, who enters the game having scored in each of his last three matches. Goodwin currently leads Cheltenham's scoring charts this season with 5 goals in 14 appearances.

In recent years, Town have dominated this fixture securing victories in the last three matchups against the O's.

On the other hand, Wellens' side find themselves in a challenging position of late, having suffered losses in their last 2 games and drawing the two preceding fixtures.

Despite their struggles, their top striker, Ruel Sotiriou, has managed to score seven goals this season. However, he has been goalless for the past five games, and will be keen to see if he can rediscover his goal-scoring form.

Tickets for this weekend’s game will be available to buy right up until kick-off. Supporters can purchase match tickets both online and from the ticket office at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium, which opens at midday on matchday.

The gates will be open from 1:30PM. Supporters will be able to buy food and drink in and around the Completely-Suzuki Stadium from our several kiosks.

There will be no car parking available for this weekend's match unless you have a car parking season pass. 

Matchday programmes will be available to buy around the ground and from the club shop for £3. Supporters will also be able to view Saturday's programme and the rest of this season's programmes here.

The club shop will also be open on matchday. Robin’s fans will be able to purchase kits, leisurewear and more from midday.

Unable to make it this weekend? Fans in the UK and overseas will be able to purchase an audio match pass over iFollow for just £2.50. 

Click below to get yours now!

You can also keep up to date with all the action by following @CTFCofficial over on Twitter/X. 

To read the post-match report and reaction, head over to ctfc.com after the game for more on how the action unfolded. 

We hope all the Robins and Boro fans attending the Completely-Suzuki Stadium enjoy their day. Come on you Robins!

Match Reports

Report and reaction: Robins 1-2 Leyton Orient

16 December 2023

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Cheltenham Town vs Leyton Orient - Extended highlights - Sat 16th December 2023

Extended highlights of Cheltenham Town vs Leyton Orient, Sat 16th December 2023 in the Sky Bet League One

The Robins suffered late heartbreak at the Completely-Suzuki Stadium, falling to a 2-1 defeat to Leyton Orient this afternoon.

Ben Williams was sent off for two bookable offences early in the first half but that didn’t faze the Robins who went ahead through Will Goodwin’s penalty.

However, with the clock ticking down Shaq Forde’s and Ethan Galbraith’s shots were diverted into the Robins goal via wicked deflections to give the visitors all three points.

“It’s very raw at the minute,” said Robins manager Darrell Clarke post-match.

“We’re devastated to come away with nothing as I thought the boys were magnificent with 10 men for such a long period of the game.

“Like I said to the lads, sometimes in football it can kick you down but it’s how you respond.”

The Robins started the game on the front foot with Will Ferry displaying some quick feet to beat his man down the left hand side before flashing a ball across the six yard box that captain Sean Long lifted over.

The afternoon took a turn for the worse after 18 minutes when defender Williams was booked twice within a minute and subsequently given his marching orders by referee Tom Reeves.

Orient began to grow in confidence and Darren Pratley rattled the crossbar from close range with his header from a Theo Archibald corner.

But despite the man disadvantage, it was the Robins who dictated play in the second half as George Lloyd saw a header cleared away, Tom Pett’s free-kick whistled over and Goodwin saw a volley held by O's keeper Sol Brynn.

The pressure on the visitors continued to mount and told in the 67^th minute after more clever footwork from Ferry saw him burst between two men before Pratley brought him down in the box.

Goodwin stepped up for the resulting penalty and blasted it down the middle with Brynn diving to his right, to net his fourth goal in as many games.

Orient stepped up their attack and after a pair of unthreatening shots from Ruel Sotiriou, substitute Forde’s shot was diverted into his own net by the unfortunate Long seconds before added time.

And deep into that added time, Southwood rushed off his line to deny Sotiriou before Galbraith’s shot deflected in off Curtis Davies, leaving the goalkeeper stranded and Town empty handed.

CHELTENHAM TOWN (3-5-2): Southwood; Davies, Freestone, B. Williams; Long (c), Sercombe (Smith 29), Bonds, Pett (Thompson 83), Ferry; Lloyd (Keena 83), Goodwin. Subs not used: Pardington (Gk), Bradbury, Peupion, Butler-Oyedeji.

LEYTON ORIENT (4-2-3-1): Brynn; Brown, Beckles, Happe, Hunt (James 65); Pratley (Forde 74), El Mizouni (Sanders 84); Sotiriou, Moncur (Galbraith 65), Archibald; Agyei (Pigott 65). Subs not used: Howes (Gk), Turns.

REFEREE: T Reeves

ATTENDANCE: 3,887 (461 away)