»Reid double sends Robins through in EFL Trophy
REUBEN Reid scored both goals against one of his former clubs as Cheltenham Town defeated Plymouth Argyle 2-0 to book their place in round two of the EFL Trophy.
The front man netted twice in the second half to earn the Robins another £8,000 in prize money and they join Norwich City Under-21s in the next stage of the competition.
Norwich, who visit Whaddon Road in the final group match on November 10 (6pm), thrashed Newport County AFC 5-0 at Rodney Parade.
Cheltenham welcomed goalkeeper Scott Flinders back after a nine-month injury absence for the opening 45 minutes, with youngster Max Harris going on for his debut at half-time.
Flinders pulled off two one-on-one saves to keep Plymouth out in the first period.
Cardiff City loanee Tom Sang made his debut, starting on the right of midfield and then moving into the number 10 role at the start of the second half and setting up Reid’s opener in the 56th minute as the tactical switch paid dividends for manager Michael Duff.
Chris Clements supplied Reid for the second in the 77th minute and both goals were expertly taken.
After the game, Duff said: “I thought it was another good game. Plymouth dominated the ball in the first half and we couldn’t get the right pressure on the deep-lying midfielder, so we changed our shape.
“That’s probably the thing I am most pleased about, because when we have gone 4-3-3, a lot of the time it’s been to see a game out, but that was to wrestle momentum back and some of the chances we created second half, there were some really good performances within it.”
Duff made nine changes from the 2-0 win at Leyton Orient on Saturday and feels that he has good strength in depth all over the field.
“The fact there were only two starting from Saturday shows the squad is strong at the minute,” he said.
“People who watched the game will have seen there is quality in the squad and we are going to need it, there is nothing more certain than that.
“Alex Addai didn’t make the bench on Saturday, although that was partly down to a niggle. He’d only trained one day, but the fact he is missing out shows the squad.
“There is a united group amongst it and they realise they’ll all get their chance at some point, so tow the line when you are out of the team because you’ll be needed at some point.”
Duff admitted Flinders had made his return quite a way ahead of schedule.
“It was a lot earlier than we wanted, but the leg is fine. He is not ready in terms of only doing 10 days or two weeks of goalkeeper training,” said Duff. “I am really pleased for him and hopefully he doesn’t have any sort of reaction because the leg is fine now.
“There was a good block as well, from a psychological point of view, he didn’t show any signs of not being sure and that’ll be a big marker for him in his own head.”
He came off at half-time and Duff was pleased to give Harris his professional debut?
“He came in, made a couple of good saves, his kicking was good,” said Duff.
“He looked composed and I was pleased for him - it’s a significant marker, your first game in professional football.”
After his two goals, Reid now has seven goals in 10 starts for Cheltenham in all competitions.
“The keeper has made two great saves as well,” said Duff.
“We do need to get him in the box with his back to goal more because he can wiggle.
“The first goal you think he’s missed his chance and the second goal was out of nothing.
“He looks fit, learn and hungry. Willo (Andy Williams) has been good, but he knows there is competition for places as well. It’s only of benefit for us.”
On new-boy Sang, Duff was delighted with his performance in two positions - right wing-back and attacking midfielder.
“He affected the game in the second half, but that’s as much to do with the shape as anything,” said Duff.
“He has good energy and was strong in a couple of challenges in the right wing-back areas. I was really pleased with him.
“I am happy with the performance, a clean sheet and a bit of money for the club, which is much needed at the minute as well.”