Boyle header earns Duff’s men victory

HARROGATE TOWN ....... 0 CHELTENHAM TOWN .... 1

WILL Boyle’s first-half header earned Cheltenham a narrow victory at Harrogate to put themselves right back in the hunt for automatic promotion, writes Jon Palmer.

The defender, below, nodded in Sean Long’s cross two minutes before the break to earn a first away win since December 1.

Normally a right-back, Long had gone on in place of the injured Chris Clements after half an hour of the game, operating in an unfamiliar central midfield role and he created Boyle’s sixth goal of the campaign.

Michael Duff ’s Robins had already looked by far the more threatening of the sides on their first competitive visit to the hosts’ EnviroVent Stadium.

Andy Williams saw a shot cleared off the line by ex-Robins trialist Jake Lawlor in the 25th minute and his strike partner Alfie May was played through on goal in the 40th minute, but his effort was off target.

On a freezing night in North Yorkshire there was very little in the way of goalmouth action in the second half.

Aaron Martin saw a header from Ed Francis’ cross gathered safely by away goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, who had a quiet evening as Cheltenham shut out their hosts to build momentum ahead of Saturday’s visit to Walsall.

Meanwhile, in the FA Cup, Championship side Bournemouth surprised Premier League Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Cherries ran out 2-0 away winners thanks to a first-half goal from Sam Surridge and a late second from Junior Stanislas to move into the last eight for only the second time in their history.

Last night’s games involving Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Yeovil Town all finished after the deadline.