This was a fantastic result for Cheltenham Town from a game that was always going to be a tasty affair.
The game started off with both sides contesting the ball in midfield fairly well in what was edging towards a drab first half.
Marlon Pack struck a nice free kick which forced a save out of Nelson but otherwise it was a half where chances were few and far between.
The second half was a totally different story; Cheltenham dominated the half right up until they scored.
In the 66th minute Billy Jones whipped in a fantastic ball which Michael Hector powered into the back of the net. It was a bullet header that left the keeper no chance. For the last 20 minutes it was wave after wave after wave of attack from Gillingham.
Russ Penn had a chance to finish it and probably could/should have squared it to Byron Harrison. With four minutes added on I could barely watch but the feeling of pure elation after it was well worth it.
Credit must go to the Gillingham fans who kicked up a real traditional football atmosphere today. Singing all the way throughout which the Cheltenham fans matched magnificently.
Even if most of the Cheltenham chants were directed to a certain manager! However, that definitely makes the win even sweeter…
This result keeps Cheltenham right in the thick of it; with Bradford having a big say in who will finish third. Bradford have to play Burton Albion (h), Rotherham (h) and us (a). It's definitely too close to call at the moment but in my opinion it is in Rotherham's hands. Northampton fluffed their lines today and that could possibly rule them out of contention. But, this is League Two, where ANYTHING could happen at any time. It's sure to be a great finish and with play-offs confirmed we've got two or four more chances to get promoted. We need to get behind the boys and take advantage of Exeter's poor home form and then beat Bradford.
COYR!
OUT OF TEN
Scott Brown 8- Made numerous saves which kept us in it and also battled through foot pain.
Sido Jombati 7- Looked shaky in the first half but was solid in the second half.
Michael Hector 9- Brilliant performance winning nearly every header, bullet header for the goal too.
Steve Elliott 8- A spirited performance from the centre back, remaining composed throughout.
Billy Jones 7- Like Sido, he looked shaky at times but put in a sumptuous delivery for Hector's goal.
Jermaine McGlashan 7- A constant threat down the right but his final ball was sometimes poor.
Marlon Pack 8- Kept us ticking over in midfield, got the ball to the wings as often as possible.
Russell Penn 9- Brilliant, ferocious and powerful. That's all that needs to be said.
Jason Taylor 6- Made some nice passes but was often caught in possession.
Kaid Mohamed 7- Great direct running at defenders. Was always causing a problem down the left.
Byron Harrison 7- Worked tirelessly upfront and was unlucky not to come out with reward.
