Striker Danny Wright scored a brace as Cheltenham Town Reserves narrowly lost out 3-2 to Plymouth Argyle Reserves in a Central League encounter at Home Park.
The Robins won the reverse fixture 1-0 when the two teams met in Cheltenham earlier in the season, courtesy of a goal from George Lloyd.
But this occasion it was the Pilgrims who emerged victors in a five-goal thriller with Alex Battle’s long range goal settling the clash.
Aaron Downes, who coached the team on the day, said: "They were a more experienced team than us, but the attitude and application from the players was first class.
"It is a long way to go down to Plymouth in midweek for a reserve game and it is a test of character.
"The players worked really hard and put in a great performance. We took the lead in the second half and probably should have got something out of the game.
"Rhys Lovett made a number of great saves and all the pros performed really well. The pleasing thing is how much they helped the young lads.
"We had a few first year scholars in the team and they really helped them out. They did a really professional job and as an ex-pro and young coach I was very proud of all the boys who went down. They deserve credit for the way the applied themselves.
The home side went ahead early on with Alex Fletcher turning home a cross from Ryan Law and Plymouth enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half but were unable to beat Rhys Lovett and extend the lead.
Cheltenham, who were captained by Jordon Forster, were a side transformed after the break and were level when Jake Andrews had a shot well saved and Wright followed up to tap home.
The Robins nearly went ahead when Wright intelligently picked out Will Dawes but his shot was superbly saved by Plymouth stopper Michael Cooper.
Wright, though, was not to be denied minutes later when he raced past Songo’o and beat Cooper with a low shot.
Plymouth responded with Fletcher grabbing second from Battle’s low cross before Battle scored a long range goal from 25 yards to edge the Pilgrims back ahead.
Robins: Lovett, Handley (Scott), Forster, Bower, Cranston, Briscoe (Clift), Brennan, Andrews, Dawes, Duncan, Wright. Subs: Price
Plymouth: Cooper, Miller, Songo’o, Rooney, Battle, Grant, Taylor-Sinclair, Fletcher, Paton, Law, Sangaster. Subs: Childs, Downing, Ward, Jephcott
