DUFF CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF REID
CHELTENHAM boss Michael Duff heaped praise on Reuben Reid after his third successive winner secured maximum points against Mansfield.
Experienced striker Reid has battled back from summer knee surgery, including setbacks on the road to fitness, but he has hit the decisive goal against Carlisle United, Leyton Orient and now Mansfield to keep the Robins’ automatic promotion hopes alive.
“A few people questioned a few different things when we signed him, but since he came in he’s been absolutely top drawer,” said Duff.
“He lost 10 kg between meeting me and the end of pre-season because he got smashed in the gym.
“I am a firm believer in hard work paying you back and he’s had a kick along the way, coming back from the operation and scoring, but then getting injured again, so he’s had to deal with that.” Substitute Reid powered in Ryan Broom’s cross from the right in the 65th minute to earn the Robins their fifth home win in succession and maintain their promotion push.
Mansfield wasted two golden chances to take the lead, denied by goalkeeper Owen Evans on both occasions.
Evans dived at the feet of Nicky Maynard after the striker raced through on goal in the 15th minute.
Maynard also fired just wide in the 35th minute after a long throw from CJ Hamilton was flicked on by Danny Rose.
Wigan Athletic loan youngster Evans kept out Will Tomlinson, who was through one-on-one six minutes into the second half.
It was a triple substitution and change of formation from Duff that made the difference for the Robins, with Reid, Alex Addai and Conor Thomas all going on in the 57th minute.
Alfie May touched in a low ball from Chris Hussey and thought he had made it 2-0, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Mansfield boss Graham Coughlan felt his side deserved much more for their efforts at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium. “I felt we deserved to win the game,” Coughlan said. “We were the better team by a country mile. It’s very, very hard to take. “I have a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach after losing that game. In any game of football you need luck and we just didn’t get the breaks.
“We had the best moments, but they had the most decisive moment when they scored the goal. “I have to take my hat off to the dressing room because the fitness and performance levels have gone through the roof and they’ve bought into what we’re trying to do. “Our lads were excellent and I’m very proud of them.”