Manager Gary Johnson praised the mental strength of his Robins as they battled past Colchester United 6-5 on penalties in the Carabao Cup.
Ryan Broom and Conor Thomas gave Cheltenham Town a two goal lead at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium before the U's roared back to take the First Round game to spot kicks.
But the Robins prevailed to book a place in Thursday's Second Round draw.
“I am just pleased the lads have won a game,” he said. “That’s very important and I felt we won it twice.
“We were 2-0 up and they threw caution to the wind and got their luck.
“Their second goal certainly moved and the first one they scored was a mistake from our defender who didn’t quite clear it and it ricocheted into the path of their player.
“The emotion is I was pleased with most of the game. Some of the boys are at least showing what they can do and some of them aren’t quite ready fitness wise as they didn’t come until late.
“Some have been non-league, like Alex Addai, while Kalvin Kalala has never played at this level. I thought they were a threat all day, which I knew they would be.
“There are a lot of things I was pleased with and the mental toughness after being 2-0 up and then having to go to penalties.
"I thought most of our penalties were very good, all bar one and I am pleased for the boys that they can have a few days enjoying a win.”
As for the next round draw, Johnson added: "A home game would be good and we need a big game and a big day here at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
"The lads showed real mental toughness to win on penalties and that has to stay with us now."