7-0 is part of the narrative, admits boss Elliott

CHELTENHAM Town head coach Wade Elliott admits that the desire to right some wrongs will be a factor when the Robins visit Exeter City in Sky Bet League One this afternoon, writes Jon Palmer.

Just 11 days ago, Cheltenham were mauled 7-0 on their own ground by the rampant Grecians in their EFL Cup first-round clash.

In addition, Exeter have taken seven points from their opening four League One matches, while Elliott’s side have just one – although that was earned at Fleetwood in midweek.

The Robins boss said: “I don’t know if it’s a motivation because I think our players are motivated anyway, but it will be a factor.

“If you have been beaten by the same team 7-0, you can’t get away from it, it’s going to be part of the narrative and part of the build-up, so if it adds any extra fire to us then that’ll be welcome.

“The atmosphere around the training ground and focus on the training has been top drawer.

“I was pleased for them (getting a draw at Fleetwood), that they’ve got something tangible for their efforts and pleased for all the people who travelled, all the staff, supporters and players, that they have a tiny reward for the effort that’s been put in up to this point.

“We did the basics really well, we ran, we defended doggedly, so just keep building on those elements.

You can see how hard you have to work to even get a point in this league, so keep building on those elements and adding bits as we go.”

Young Cheltenham forward Callum Ebanks has joined National League club Eastleigh on loan until January.

The 19-year-old went on from the bench in the Robins’ opening two League One games this season, against Peterborough United and Barnsley, making the first two EFL appearances of his career.