A much improved second half showing pleased Michael Duff as his team exited the Carabao Cup at the third round stage against Championship side Preston North End.
Two goals down at the break, although the tie ended 4-1 in Preston's favour, Duff was happier with a better second half showing, as Kyle Vassell's finely taken goal tightened the scoreline for much of the half.
Ultimately two late goals ensured Preston will compete in the last 16, but there were good signs from a young Cheltenham side who were also missing a number of key players through injuries or through being cup-tied.
"I'm not bothered by the final score," he said. "I'm disappointed with the first half and pleased with the second half.
"The fact we've gone out of the tie doesn't really bother me because we know it wasn't a 4-1 game.
"2-0 at half time and we never really laid a glove on them. We didn't compete, we didn't get on the ball, we didn't do any part of the game well.
"We tweaked it and I had a bit of a pop at them, but that's a young team. I think we started with six under-21s and finished with seven under-21s.
"So the fact that they've taken on the information and had a go and the three subs that Frank (McAvoy) has had to make - they are their three best players."
Watch the full post-match interview with Duff above on iFollow and on the EFL iFollow smartphone app.
It's another away visit up the M6 for the Robins on Saturday when they return to League One commitments.
Former Premier League side Wigan Athletic are the opposition for a 3pm kick-off at the DW Stadium.
Fans can purchase tickets and away travel for the game online and from the ticket office.