After the 3-0 trashing of Rotherham United and a clean sheet in tough conditions at Barnet, we went to Vale Park in high hopes of a victory that could see us move a step closer to automatic promotion.
The opening minutes were pleasing, putting pressure on the Vale back four, but as the ball worked its way out to ex-CTFC loanee Jennison Myrie-Williams more and more the weaknesses of Billy Jones were left wide open, and he was given a torrid time throughout his time on the pitch.
Jones continually sat off Myrie-Williams allowing him to pick up speed and run past with ease, or giving himself time to fool Jones in the direction he was going to run.
Although, it was not all Jones' fault. Kaid Mohamed's lack of defensive endeavour left Jones exposed against one of the best wingers to grace the league at present.
The goal was annoying and Sido Jombati failed to get out to the crosser earlier enough to prevent it, and that was a noticeable game plan for the home team.
Crosses to Pope, Hughes and the subsequent Williamson after some harsh words aimed at the injured Hughes over his unforgettable past, meant constant balls were flung into the box. Pope, recently crowned the best in League Two, won't miss if you give how he wishes and it proved true for the opener.
The next five to ten minutes were some of the most agonising I've seen all season. Numerous last ditch saves and goalscoring opportunities frustrated the fans and I'm sure the players and coaches alike. No-one wants to see their team under such pressure and you can't look any further than Scotty Brown for the score still to be at 1-0 and the team still in the game.
The subs made at half-time couldn't have made a better introduction, before all fans has returned to seats Harrison broke through and we grabbed an undeserved goal.
Harrison got in behind a lot more than Benson and certainly a much more dangerous player to have in the ranks; he changed the game for us.
It was pleasing to score from a set-piece to double our tally for the day. That has been Jones' speciality this year and to see another player deliver a good ball shows we have a range of takers, meaning the start of Jones isn't compulsory.
Keith did the business and Benson scored, possibly, one of the worst goals you'll ever see, not to take the gloss off an inevitable celebration of diving into the snow. To take the lead after such a one-sided half was incredible and somewhat unbelievable, but yet again, from a winning position, we drop points.
The defence looked wide open and defensive play from set-pieces is disappointing. Playing against the best player in the League you have to be at the top of your game and the defence wasn't today.
Positioning errors were regular and it's cost us. Pope seemed to find too much space, Hector and Elliott need to make sure they are sticking to their men like glue.
Keith and Sido looked reassured second half, with Myrie-Williams kept quiet.
Their good defending meant winning the ball when Port Vale had committed men opened the game up, with space for Marlon Pack to 'do his thing' and convert any pressure off Vale to pressure on their own back four.
It was a thoroughly entertaining game, great one for the neutral, just a shame about the result from a Cheltenham point of view. We have to keep plugging away to grab as many points now. Come on you Robins!
OUT OF TEN
Scott Brown – 8 – Was superb in the first half, made some top class saves. Unbeatable at times, but he still conceded three goals.
Sido Jombati – 7 – Poor first half did get tight to the crosser for the goal and didn't use the ball productively. Better second half, kept the dangerous Myrie-Williams quiet and got some balls into the box.
Steve Elliott – 6 – Consistent performance. Pope scored a hat-trick and he was Elliott's man. Didn't get tight enough.
Michael Hector – 6 – Not one his better games. Used the ball well at times though.
Billy Jones – 5 – Struggled all half, rightly brought off at the break.
Jermaine McGlashan – 6 – Should be doing what Myrie-Williams did. Wasn't a huge threat.
Jason Taylor – 5 - Need to find a way of fitting him into the team. Just not working at the moment. Didn't feature a lot, needed a change in formation.
Marlon Pack – 7 – Did better in the second half when he had more of the ball and one of our better players. However, pretty unnoticeable in the first period.
Russ Penn – 7 – Battled well, and feisty throughout. Pushed on well and worked hard.
Kaid Mohamed – 6 – Didn't really play well, not dangerous. Sums up his season, not half the player he was last year. Scored.
Paul Benson – 7 – Got some chances and came close, hit the bar and took one. Worked better when Harrison came on, massive clue towards the team Monday.
SUBS:
Byron Harrison – 8 – Came on and looked dangerous, got in behind numerously and unlucky not to score. Debatable new chant!
Keith Lowe – 7 – Better than Jones, wasn't put under a lot of pressure. Was good in attack.
Sammy Deering – 6 – Couldn't provide a cutting edge.
