We met up in the Bath Arms, then on to the Pump House and before the Fatty Taxman could fall over it was time to head to Withdean.
The game was pretty dire (I shouldn't use the word pretty as the game was anything but that!). Cheltenham were big and strong and lacking in much finesse, we sadly came down to that level.
We had a great chance early on when Revell set up Robinson but that was pretty much that in the first half.
Our midfield was over run and Cheltenham looked happy with 0-0. 2nd half and things didnt really change.
Finally we broke the deadlock. A Mayo corner found Hammonds head and he did the business to put us 1 up.
Cheltenham sort of stuttered into life and with 15 minutes to go took advantage of some of our woeful defending. The finish was crisp, the ball hit the right post and just crossed the line. The 200 away fans managed a tiny cheer, that was all I heard from them for 90 mins as we were noisy for quite a long time for a change.
We kept of singing in D Block, I think we nearly managed 45 minutes with the Fatty Taxman on lead vocals.
As the clock ticked down and Cheltenham slowed the game even more, we finally put a good move together. Revell broke into the box and was taken out for a clear cut penalty.
Up stepped Hammond to put the ball just wide of the keeper but inside the post, what a relief.
Its good to know we can play badly and win. Roll on Oldham, not sure why, hate the place!
Henderson - 7 looked more confident, no chance with the goal
Whing - 6 had lots of possesion, improved as the game went on
Hinshelwood - 6 solid
Lynch - 6 solid
Rents - 6 looking good
Cox 5 - poor match, hardly involved
Hammond - 7 my MOTM, cool under pressure for the penalty
Mayo - 6 good corner for goal 1, but game passed him by for long periods
Fraser - 5 created little and replaced on the hour
Robinson - 5 little opportunity (other than the first minute!)
Revell - 6 quite game, but won the penalty in the last minute
John - 5 got 30 minutes, but didnt do much
Hart - 6 got 10 minutes, but still managed a booking!
Hinshelwood caught his studs in the ground and we thought he had done the same injury as before (crutiate ligaments). He was stupidly allowed to play on but finally gave way to Hart.
The club will assess the injury today, hope its just bruising, but he could be out for a while again!
Also I see that Dick Knight has denied that Lynch is going to Stoke for £500k in January. He can do better than Stoke cant he??