Robins enjoy Asda la vista

CHELTENHAM’S players were forced to eat pasta pots from Asda before grinding out a plucky point.

The Robins had to abandon their planned pre-match meal at a hotel after getting stuck in traffic.

It meant the club popped into the supermarket for a bite to eat before dashing to St James’ Park.

Robins boss Michael Duff said: “It was a good point and a clean sheet.

“What people won’t realise is that it has taken four-and-a-half hours to get down to Exeter.

“We had to cancel the pre-match meal and go into Asda where the lads were eating pasta pots.

“You throw that into the fact that we were up against one of the best home records in the league and a draw is a good result.”

To make matters worse, Cheltenham trundled slowly out of the traps in front of just 208 visiting fans after the supporters’ coach never made it due a smashed window.

Exeter striker Ryan Bowman wasted a glorious chance in the 18th minute when he escaped into the box only to drag an effort past the far post.

Jack Sparkes forced Robins keeper Scott Flinders into a smart save after letting fly from 25 yards. And when Jacob Greaves slipped in the box, it looked like Exeter would break the deadlock.

But Randell Williams’ cross was over-hit, denying Alex Fisher an open goal.

A superb tackle by Aaron Martin denied Luke Varney a goal as Cheltenham flexed their attacking muscles after the break.

And Conor Thomas spurned their best chance when he glanced a shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

Exeter are now 10 games unbeaten against the Robins – a record that stretches back to 2013.

Grecians boss Matt Taylor said: “I was pleased with our intent and attitude.

“It was going to come down to one moment of real quality that neither team were able to create on the day.

“We are disappointed that we didn’t threaten their goal more, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.

“That is as weak as we will be this season due to injuries, illness and suspensions. There are a lot of good attacking players to come back in.”

EXETER CHELTENHAM 2 ........ Shots on Target ..........1 4 ........ Shots off Target ......... 2 6 ................Corners ................ 0 12 ................. Fouls ....................9 3 ............... Offsides .................4 66.3 .. Passing Success % ...60.6 415 .....Total Passes % ..... 398 51.6 ........Possession ........ 48.4 57.2 ..Territorial Adv % .. 42.8