Fan's view of Cheltenham Town's 3-0 home win over Rotherham United with Peter Fielding:
Celebrity Rotherham United fans Paul and Barry Chuckle will be left saying their trademark catch-phrase "O dear, o dear", after Cheltenham Town defeated the Millers 3-0, taking a huge step towards promotion. After defeat against League Two rivals Burton Albion, it was imperative that the Robins responded with a high-intensity performance, with Mark Yates' men exceeding expectations to secure a memorable victory.
Yates, sticking to a "gentleman's agreement" with Rotherham manager and personal nemesis, Steve Evans dropped Jason Taylor from his squad, restoring explosive winger Jermaine McGlashan to the starting XI along with Kaid Mohamed and Sido Jombati at the expense of Darren Carter and Keith Lowe. Cheltenham could have taken the lead inside 1 minute, with midfielder Sam Deering slipping at the vital moment in front of goal after Marlon Pack's through ball. Cheltenham's midfield controlled the game efficiently, with captain Russell Penn leading by example, hassling a skilful Rotherham midfield, preventing them from playing the free-flowing football which saw them defeat the Robins 4-2 in November. The Millers were consigned to shooting from range, with Scott Brown tipping a Lee Frecklington drive over the crossbar, whilst Ben Pringle's crisp shot was blocked by Michael Hector.
It was a different story in the opposing half on the pitch, with Jermaine McGlashan, Kaid Mohamed and Sam Deering tormenting the decidedly unstable Millers defence, thriving from the Yorkshire-accented taunting from the visiting supporters. Marlon Pack struck the post from 20 yards before striker Paul Benson came close to giving the Robins in lead in style. After beating veteran 'keeper Andy Warrington to a Michael Hector clearance, the man on loan from Swindon Town saw his lob from the angle fly agonisingly past the near post.
This near moment of brilliance was ameliorated minutes later when Cheltenham took the lead. Kaid Mohamed's cross evaded the Rotherham defence, falling to McGlashan on the edge of the area, who volleyed home "the best goal of his career" in exquisite fashion. Ten minutes later, after another well-worked move, a Mohamed ball fell to Marlon Pack who struck home in serene fashion to double the Robins' half-time lead.
The second half saw Cheltenham Town continue their effervescent football, restricting Rotherham to half-chances much to the frustration of pantomime-villain Steve Evans. Paul Benson was unlucky to be ruled offside when played through one-on-one against senile-in-appearance Andy Warrington, whilst Russell Penn fired wide. The Robins defence played with gusto, led by experienced Steve Elliott, ensuring that 'keeper Scott Brown had an easy afternoon. The return of former Cheltenham favourite Kayode Odejayi was a moment to savour, but the striker, now in his 30s, evidently lacked match practise and form. It was unfortunately a case of O-dear-jayi, as the striker gave away countless free-kicks due to his over-zealous physical contribution to the game.
Byron Harrison replaced the hard-working Paul Benson and had a positive impact on the match, seeing a low shot well saved by Warrington. From the resulting Kaid Mohamed corner, a loose ball fell to Steve Elliott, who showed the aptitude of a centre-forward to curl into the roof of the net. Nobody deserved the goal more than Elliott who saluted the elated Cheltenham Town fans. The chant of "should have gone to the races" reverberated from the three home sides of the ground as the away end emptied.
As the final whistle sounded, one of the loudest cheers of the season came from the Cheltenham faithful, as Rotherham boss Steve Evans conceded defeat and shook the hand of the victorious Mark Yates. The Robins produced a first-rate performance, which if they can reproduce for the final games of the season, will see them promoted automatically. Consistency is now the key for Yates' men who have a week to prepare for a visit to Underhill to take on Barnet. We as fans are 100 per cent behind them.
Come on you Robins!
OUT OF TEN
Scott Brown - 7 - Had very little to do, but produced suitably impressive saves when called upon.
Sido Jombati - 7 - An impressive return to the starting XI for the Portuguese full-back who defended without fault and supported Jermaine McGlashan on the wing.
Michael Hector - 8 - After struggling against Burton, Hector was back to his best, keeping a potent Rotherham strike-force at bay for 90 minutes.
Steve Elliott - 8 - Lead by example at the back, marshalling the defence superbly as well as scoring a deserved third goal.
Billy Jones - 7 - An improved performance from Jones who put in a solid performance.
Jermaine McGlashan - 8 - Produced 'one of those performances', exemplifying why we paid a record transfer fee for him. Jermaine was outstanding on the wing and scored a stunning goal.
Marlon Pack - 8 - Another superb performance from the fans' favourite, rejuvenated following the January transfer fiasco. Took his goal nicely and ran the show in midfield.
Russell Penn - 7 - Captained the team admirably, proving to be a thorn in Rotherham's attempts to play free-flowing football.
Kaid Mohamed - 8 - An outstanding improvement from 'Mo', who had a direct part to play in all 3 goals.
Sam Deering - 7 - Taking Whaddon Road by storm, Sam again produced a first-rate performance, unlucky not to score an early opening goal.
Paul Benson - 7 - Again isolated at times, but gave 110% effort, chasing every ball and creating chances for his teammates. Also unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
Substitutes:
Byron Harrison - 7 - Played well despite having long on the pitch, with his shot resulting in the corner for Steve Elliott's goal. Unfortunate not to start the game.
Darren Carter and Darren Duffy - N/A
