A great game
Cheltenham Town U18's were beaten in an eight goal thriller at Swindon Town in the EFL Youth Alliance Southwest Division.Â
The young Robins were looking to get back on track after last weekend's late defeat to AFC Bournemouth but were left rueing missed opportunities in a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.Â
Ben Hailwood scored twice for Ashleigh Hopkins' side and George Lloyd was also on target with a fine individual effort but poor defending ultimately cost Cheltenham, who were without captain Josh Thomas due to a ban.
The result leaves Cheltenham fourth in the table as manager Hopkins reflected on a disappointing morning in Swindon. "We would have loved to have gained some confidence before the game with Plymouth but lacked quality in our defensive performance, organisation and discipline," said Hopkins. "We also missed several chances in the final third and were not clinical enough.
"Swindon took confidence in our lack of desire to win the game and were the better team on the day," added the Welshman.
Cheltenham Town U18's are back in action on Tuesday night (November 1st) Â at 7pm against Plymouth Argyle. The FA Youth Cup tie will be played at the LCI Rail Stadium and Hopkins has called for the fans to come and get behind the side.Â
"We are looking for support this Tuesday night and would like all the home supporters to wear red," said Hopkins.Â
The first round tie will be the U18's second meeting with Plymouth Argyle this season, after a 2-2 draw in the league.