What were your thoughts on the Fleetwood result, team selection and performance?
An excellent performance, but again a disappointing result. Mark Yates' selection of a 4-4-1-1 formation, with the inclusion of all five central midfielders worked more cohesively, as the team were able to fluently play the passing football that we have come to expect from the Robins. Having a larger percentage of the possession (55 per cent) than the home side is a testament to the midfield, but our inability to convert chances into goals proved costly, as another two points were dropped in Lancashire - now our seventh draw in the last ten games.
Should Mark Yates stick with the same team against Wimbledon or play a second striker?
An intriguing tactical quandary. Personally, I believe that Yates should stick with the 5 man midfield (with Sam Deering supporting the striker) that produced an improved performance at Fleetwood. Consistency is paramount at this stage of the season, and the Robins rapidly needing to discover a winning formula. Justified by the fact that Cheltenham had seven shots on target at Fleetwood in comparison to two at Accrington Stanley, a five-man midfield with a lone striker would appear more capable of produce goals. On the other hand, Byron Harrison may be considered for a recall against his former club, partnering Paul Benson up front, or playing as a 'target man'.
What are your views on Sam Deering?
Deering is a livewire, more than capable of playing regularly at League Two level, who is very unlucky to be at a club with such high-calibre midfielders. The 5ft 5in man offers substantially different attributes to the other midfielders at the club, able to link play between defence and attack, as well as coaxing fouls from defenders. Deering's enthusiasm whilst on the pitch is admirable, with his determination to win headers against players 1' taller than himself, purely exemplifying this. A very popular figure amongst the Cheltenham players, Deering's reputation is equally growing amongst Cheltenham fans, who will be keen to see him start against AFC Wimbledon. Could Deering be the player who relights our fire?
What sort of reception will you give Alan Bennett on Saturday?
I think the players, staff and fans of Cheltenham Town Football Club will give Bennett an excellent welcome home. In his 18 impressive months at Whaddon Road, 'Benno' showed the qualities of a worthy club captain both on and off the pitch, leading the Robins out at White Hart Lane, Wembley and against Everton. Joining AFC Wimbledon under somewhat 'controversial' circumstances, Bennett's departure may have left a sour taste in the mouth of some, but in general he will be given an overwhelming vote of thanks from the fans of Cheltenham Town, which I hope he will reciprocate.
Can Cheltenham still claim a top three place?
As a result of our recent form, and having won only two of our last ten games, the odds are very much stacked against automatic promotion. We have played more games than many at the top of League 2, yet have poor goal-difference, whilst our inability to find consistency has reduced us to seventh place. Despite (excluding games in hand) being only four points of the top three, due to our tough run-in, we realistically look consigned to another play-off battle.
Conversely, never say never with Cheltenham Town - automatic promotion would be an incredible feat, but we have a group of players that are, if Mark Yates is able to galvanise them, more than capable of achieving it.
How do you see Saturday's game going?
AFC Wimbledon manager Neil Ardley has one objective this season - to keep his side in the Football League. Currently sitting in 23rd place, the Dons are enveloped in a relegation battle, however a recent improvement in form will offer their supporters some solace.
If we can build on the performance at Fleetwood, playing similar high-intensity passing football, but showing more potency in the final third, a victory is well within our grasp. It is pivotal at this stage of the season that the Robins win games, and expectations from supporters will be high.
Ardley's 'Wombles' are organised, work as team - will they bin Cheltenham's promotion hopes? Come on you Robins!
