The Robins picked up a hard fought point in a 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic on Friday evening at the DW Stadium.
Matty Taylor gave Town the lead in the ninth minute with a poacher’s finish to make it four goals in five games.
But the Latics hit back after the break through an own goal before the Robins defence held strong to extend their unbeaten run to four games.
“It was a tough night for us,” said manager Darrell Clarke post-match.
“We spent a lot of time without the ball and we weren't at our standards with the ball.
“I’m delighted with the point because if you can’t perform as well as you can, don’t lose the game and we did that.”
After a cagey opening few minutes, the Robins hit the front as Will Ferry’s enticing deep free-kick fell to Taylor in the area who confidently volleyed home.
The wary approach from Wigan continued as they searched for a response and aside from Curtis Davies hooking a dangerous looking Martial Godo cross away, the first half passed without note.
Shaun Maloney made three substitutions at the break and the revitalised hosts soon found themselves level as Luke Chambers’ driven effort deflected in off the unfortunate Elliot Bonds.
Spurred on by the equaliser, the Latics began to lay siege to the Robins’ goal with Jonny Smith seeing a shot saved and half-time substitute Josh Magennis turning over from Charlie Hughes’ low fizzed cross.
The Robins’ substitutes crafted an opportunity of their own in between those two Wigan chances as Josh Harrop’s low shot narrowly evaded Joe Nuttall’s outstretched boot.
With time ticking away, Lewis Freestone, after making a vital block earlier, crucially met a floated cross to the back post with his head to ensure the Robins left Lancashire with a point.
WIGAN ATHLETIC (3-4-1-2): Tickle; Hughes (c), Kerr, Chambers; J. Smith (S. Smith 84), Adeeko (Humphrys 46), M. Smith, Pearce (McManaman 46); Aasgaard; Godo, Kelman (Magennis 46). Subs not used: Amos (Gk), Morrison, Sze.
CHELTENHAM TOWN (3-5-2): Southwood; Davies, Bradbury, Freestone; Long (c), Bonds (Harrop 58), Pett (Sercombe 63), Kinsella, Ferry; Lloyd (Keena 46), Taylor (Nuttall 58). Subs not used: Pardington (Gk), A. Smith, Thomas.
REFEREE: D Rock
ATTENDANCE: 9,326 (244 from Cheltenham)