A flat performance to cap off a memorable campaign. From winning 3-0 at home to Rotherham to losing 3-0 at home to Accrington Stanley; it's been a season to remember.
Following the success of last season, hopes were high going into this season. In the summer Cheltenham bought players with high calibre such as Darren Carter to try and replace the void left by Luke Summerfield that same summer. Sammy Deering and Billy Jones were also signed on free transfers.
Two wins and a draw to start off the season following a defeat to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup and fans once again dreamed of a top seven finish.
As the season progressed optimism rose as Cheltenham stayed inside the top seven for nearly the whole season. The season has also produced a great FA Cup run which saw Cheltenham defeat Yate Town and Hereford before they eventually lost at home to Premier League outfit Everton, in front of TV cameras.
However, Cheltenham eventually succumbed to 'the annual slide' which saw them win only 2 out of a possible seve in February. Ultimately, our sketchy -at best- away form has been the major problem. We've only won six away games this year, a poor total for a promotion chasing side.
Today's game was majorly Cheltenham attacking following Bradford's red card but if I'm honest, the result doesn't bother me. Sure, we should and could have won it but ultimately not scoring was good because it means we've avoided Bradford who I wouldn't feel confident playing!
So where does that leave Cheltenham now, you ask?
Well, we're back, back again- for another playoff campaign, the second in the space of two years. Mark Yates must be commended on the fantastic job he has done at Cheltenham, spending shrewdly but wisely after saving us from relegation in his first season at the club. We're going into the play-offs with a bit of momentum. We have to play Northampton who we have beaten home and away this season; however you can never write off the goalscoring prowess of Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Can Cheltenham get back to Wembley to try again for promotion, or will Akinfenwa stop us in our tracks? It's sure to be a phenomenal end to a phenomenal season, oh and our next three games are LIVE on the Sky Sports cameras!
COYR!
OUT OF TEN
Scott Brown 7- 19th clean sheet of the league campaign; fantastic year for him.
Sido Jombati 7- He was a constant threat down the right and linked up with McGlashan well.
Michael Hector 7- Solid performance, not much got past him.
Steve Elliott 7- Same as Hector.
Billy Jones 6- Got caught out at the back far too often; but his delivery caused problems.
Jermaine McGlashan 6- Not very involved and his final ball was poor.
Marlon Pack 7- A typical performance, getting the ball to the wings as often as possible.
Jason Taylor 6- He had a quiet game today.
Russell Penn 6- Quiet game too, but played some nice passes.
Kaid Mohamed 6- Fluffed his lines when presented with a fantastic opportunity to score.
Byron Harrison 6- Great hold up play and looked dangerous, still needs that goal to get him going.
Subs:
Shaun Harrad 6- Had a decent opportunity to snatch a winner.
Sam Deering- N/A
Paul Benson 6- Showed some nice touches at times, not really on long enough.
