Robins star Liam reaches 500-game landmark,
CHELTENHAM Town failed to find the net for the first time this season, in awful weather conditions and against a Mansfield Town team far better than their early league position suggests.
Michael Duff’s side had not been at their flowing best at home against Scunthorpe United four days earlier, but they edged to a 1-0 win thanks to Reuben Reid’s early penalty.
On this occasion, they could not find a breakthrough at the Jonny-rocks Stadium and had to settle for a first draw of 2020/21.
Duff will still be encouraged by how little Josh Griffiths had to do on another comfortable afternoon for the West Bromwich Albion loan goalkeeper.
Cheltenham’s two best chances of the game fell to the recalled Alfie May, who replaced George Lloyd up front alongside Reid.
The first was brilliantly cleared off the line by Harry Charsley after a parry from Marek Stech fell to May inside the box following a long throw from Ben Tozer - a weapon Cheltenham are using far more regularly and effectively this season.
May’s second opportunity came at the end of a neat move also involving Chris Hussey, who played the striker through on goal, but his finish flashed just past the right post.
Both openings came during the second half, when Cheltenham looked by far the more likely winners.
Mansfield were the better side before the break, with a strong wind and driving rain behind them, but they also deserve credit for the way they set up and the problems they caused.
Cheltenham improved playing down the slope, but it was a largely forgettable contest.
The main concern for Duff will be injures - with Matty Blair withdrawn in the 59th minute after feeling a tightness in his calf.
Lloyd is sitting out a fortnight due to concussion protocol, while Finn Azaz cannot shake off an ankle issue and has been in an immobility boot in the last few days as a precaution.
Another midfielder, Elliot Bonds, has been ruled out for the season after rupturing his ACL against Scunthorpe. He will return to parent club Hull City after surgery to begin his long rehabilitation.
Sean Long is due back in January after hip surgery, with Scott Flinders also working his way back to full fitness after his broken leg at the start of 2020.
Dan Bowry and Callum Ebanks are both recovering from injuries and latest signing Ellis Chapman is not yet match fit, although he was included among the substitutes on Saturday.
The number of midweek matches during this run means the squad’s depth will be tested and Duff has told every player they will be needed.
Things are set up perfectly ahead of the first derby of the season next Saturday as Forest Green Rovers visit.
Cheltenham have gone 10 matches without a win over their Gloucestershire rivals, who now sit two places and two points above them in the table after the midweek fixtures.
It is just a crying shame there will not be any fans there to see it.
Cheltenham Town (3-5-2): Griffiths; Raglan, Tozer, Boyle; Blair (Thomas 59), Clements, Sang (Addai 83), Sercombe, Hussey; R Reid, May (Williams 69). Subs not used: Harris, Freestone, Horton, Chapman.
Mansfield Town (3-4-2-1): Stech; Sweeney, Rawson, Menayese; Gordon, Perch, Lapslie, Mclaughlin; Charsley, Maris (Maynard 78); Cook (J Reid 78). Subs not used: Bowery, O’driscoll, Clarke, Sinclair, Stone.
Star Man: Ben Tozer.