The under-18s failed to take advantage of favourable first half conditions as they slipped to a 4-0 EFL Youth Alliance defeat against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday afternoon at the training ground.
Despite hitting the woodwork in the first half and having the wind with them down the slope, the youngsters couldn't find a way through against a Rovers side who held firm and then punished them in the second half.
There was little between the two sides as they struggled to deal with the conditions in the opening 45 minutes, though it would be a penalty that would bring the games first goal.
Harvey Greenslade stepped up and confidently drove home to give Rovers the lead.
Shortly before half time though Cheltenham came close to levelling. A cross from the right found first year scholar Zac Guinan who stooped to head at goal, but he was denied as his effort clattered against the post.
A harder task awaited the under-18s in the second half, and on 60 minutes Rovers doubled their lead with a good Matt Reed finish from a tight angle.
Rovers wrapped up their win with two further goals in quick succession towards the end.
Owen Brain swept in past Jake Parsisson, and then Reed added his second and the oppositions fourth of the afternoon to seal things.
UNDER-18s: J Parsisson, B Denness-Barrett (W Ramsey), H Skurek (W Taylor), J Hunt, T Lawrence, C Jakeways, A Woodall, J Aldridge (D Stevens), C Dashfield, C Ebanks, Z Guinan (F Miles)