Cheltenham facing vital game in bid to stay up

“LET’S create something which would be absolutely remarkable,” Cheltenham Town boss Darrell Clarke has said ahead of the Easter weekend.

The Robins have nine matches left to preserve their League One status, starting with a trip to Fleetwood Town today (3pm). They are four points from safety, but with at least one game in hand on teams they are chasing.

“Our destiny is in our own hands and we have to embrace the situation,” Clarke said. “There is a real determination from myself to keep this team in League One and it’s why I came to the club, it’s my sole focus and it’d be my biggest achievement.”

Cheltenham have not played since their 0-0 draw at Barnsley on March 16, due to the international break.

Ever-present goalkeeper Luke Southwood and midfielder Elliot Bonds have returned unscathed from their duties with Northern Ireland and Guyana respectively, with several other players able to recover from niggling injuries.

“We feel in a good place and we’ve been able to work hard with some players to raise fitness levels, while others have been able to rest up to make sure we are as fresh as possible for Fleetwood,” Clarke said.

“Mentality is the key, coming towards the back end of the season and the boys energise me every single day .”

Fleetwood, managed by former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam, are one place and one point behind 22nd placed Cheltenham.

Clarke said: “Both teams are fighting to stay in League One, so it’s a massive game and a big occasion, there is no papering over that fact.”

Cheltenham play Exeter City at home on Easter Monday (3pm).