A dull and drab affair was handed life by a sentimental and a controversial reunion as goals from Sean Long and Alfie May saw Cheltenham to a 2-0 win over former manager Steve Cotterill’s Shrewsbury.
The first half lacked any event of note with a raft of fouls committed in a tepid and cynical affair which has grown to be the norm when the Robins host the Shrews with red cards in both affairs last season.
Cheltenham scored on the brink of halftime with one of only three shots on target in the game as Robins captain Sean Long scored his first goal for the club, stabbing home a loose ball in the box after Ryan Jackson’s long throw. Shrewsbury’s best chance of the game came from a risky pass back to Luke Southwood who was closed down but dealt with the pressure well.
The second goal came just one minute later on the clock as May poked home on the volley in the first play of the second half. It was his 49th in Cheltenham colours with May’s goal putting the game to bed in a match that provided little for the neutral.
A rebounded tackle onto Cotterill’s head was the only other moment of note as former Cheltenham and Forest Green man Carl Winchester was unable to make an impact with a raft of boos and whistles every time he was on the ball.
May was stretchered off after going down holding his ankle and looking to be in some pain after going down under pressure from a defender.
Full time saw Cheltenham take three valuable points with the local clubs Forest Green, Exeter City and Bristol Rovers around them all dropping points.
Here’s some of the reaction from social media:
Robins manager Wade Elliott spoke to Jon Palmer after the game:
“I thought we were composed throughout really. Games always ebb and flow and momentum can shift, but we did the basics really well throughout the 90 minutes.
“The second half was dictated to a little by the early goal so we don’t have to force it. We defended very well. We had a new defensive coach, with Rags (Charlie Raglan) up in the stand, so he’ll be made up.
“He [Alfie] rolled his ankle after getting caught in the turf. We won’t know until they’ve assessed it.”
Cheltenham Town will prepare to face Bolton Wanderers in their next EFL League One game on Tuesday night.
