Cheltenham Town have come off two promising results in their last two games picking up four points in the process. Manager Wade Elliott believes this presents the freedom to go to Peterborough without pressure.
A win over Fleetwood Town last weekend, and a draw to Lincoln City on Tuesday have slightly steadied a declining Robins side who have been hampered by injuries. Although the bulk of that is behind them.
As when asked about the squad’s fitness “Getting healthier” was the first response from the former Bristol City player before continuing later “The upside of that is everyone should feel close to contributing and playing. We have 21 outfield players training on Friday.”.
Indonesian Elkan Baggott and forward Will Goodwin are close to returning to full fitness as the boss confirmed both trained on Thursday.
Baggott came into the squad just before Cheltenham kept two clean sheets before getting. Which the boss admits has been tough for the defender.
“He’ll be champing at the bit,” said Elliott. “I’d hope to a man they are all hungry and champing at the bit and eager to contribute.”
Looking ahead to the fixture this weekend where the Robins side travel to Peterborough with the hope of being a speed bump in The Posh’s promotion charge.
“They probably can’t afford too many slip-ups and going into the last 11 or 12 games, they need to be near perfect to get into the play-offs,” outlines the former midfielder.
“Cheltenham at home for them, if they want to get where they are aspiring to, with all respect to us, I am sure they are looking at Cheltenham at home as must-win for them.”
Peterborough were Cheltenham’s opponents on the opening day of the season, as the Posh left the Completely-Suzuki with a 3-2 victory in hand.
Jordan Clarke-Harris scored two that day, has gone on to be top scorer for his side with 19 goals in all competitions.
Although Elliott refused to get held up on this and wholeheartedly agrees that the reverse fixture is “A chance to show we’ve learned one or two lessons over the course of the season.”, as the Robins boss, believes it was the Posh’s experience that dragged them over the line in July.
“Against them at home, we conceded two in three minutes or something like that, so in aspects of game management and nous, I do think we’ve evolved and got better.” Expanded the former Burnley player.
Although he does hold his hands up and admits “It’s always been a tough place to go. You have to fight and scrap to earn anything you come away with.” But believes his side are ready to go 12 rounds.
