Cheltenham Town FC

A hat trick from Sam Deering, a brace from Kaid Mohamed and placed strike from Darren Carter ensured victory in a friendly aimed at giving key players match fitness ahead of the weekend.

The Robins actually started on the backfoot despite some decent early possession and the Academy's Herville scored a volley on 10 minutes with the Robins defence failing to clear their lines. Cheltenham Town reacted by gaining more possession in the middle of the park and Kaid Mohamed almost grabbed an equaliser ten minutes later but saw his effort from the corner cleared off the line.

Freekick efforts from Andrew and Carter came close to bringing the Robins back into the game but it was a Kaid Mohamed set piece that fired Cheltenham equal. The winger thundered in a low drive from 20 yards past the goalkeeper to make the score 1-1. Bagasan Graham had a clear opportunity to take the lead late on in the half after Sam Deering delivered a wonderful through ball but the young winger's final shot was weak and the goalkeeper saved comfortably.

Cheltenham took the lead on 44 minutes however when Keith Lowe looped a long ball delivery into the feet of Deering who peeled away from his marker to stroke a shot past the keeper and inside the near post for 2-1.

Half Time: Cheltenham XI 2-1 Bailey Academy

The Robins were more than comfortable after re-taking their lead and some of the football was a real pleasure to watch. They lengthened their lead after just 47 minutes when Mohamed nodded in at the near post following a decent save from the Academy goalkeeper although the shot stopper was now losing his head in frustration.

Efforts from Duffy and Carter signalled an increasing dominance from the hosts but it was Sam Deering who grabbed his second to make it 4-1. His hopeful 25 yard strike drew a soft hand from the goalkeeper and  the ball came off the post and into the goal for the midfielder's second of the afternoon. 

It was easy possession at this point for Cheltenham Town and Jeff Goulding was unlucky not to add to the goals after seeing an effort slam off the post following good work from Sam Deering. It was however the little midfielder that would extend the lead from the penalty spot after the impressive Keiron Thomas was felled inside the area. Deering's low drive from the spot secured his third goal and an enthralling individual performance.

Cheltenham made it six on 74 minutes when Bagasan Graham drove into the area before slipping a ball back to the unmarked Darren Carter who made no mistake in firing the ball into the back of the net.

A late comeback from the Bailey Academy saw two goals making the scoreline 6-3 but it was a victory for the Robins and ideal match fitness for several players.

Full Time: Cheltenham XI 6-3 Bailey Academy

Cheltenham Town FC (4-4-2): Roberts (GK); Thomas, Lowe, Gonzalo, Andrew; Graham, Carter (Kirkpatrick-Jones 75), Deering, Mohamed (Hanks 61); Goulding, Duffy (Powell 70)

Subs not used: Reaney (GK), Keightley

Referee: Mr. Ian Hamilton

Robins Star Man: Sam Deering - Very effective in midfield alongside Darren Carter and hot himself a hat trick.