CHELTENHAM IN THE CUP: Post-match reaction

Put it here........

Well a 3 0 win has to be good. Not the greatest game but a very professional job by saints. Bright start saw saints take the lead with nice interchange between Lallana and Richardson who fed lallana and his shot across goal found the corner despite hand to the ball by their goalie. Lambert had a couple of chances for headers but inexplicably headed both back across goal instead of going for goal. Had a couple of chances to get the second Lallana had a shot and then Jaidi nearly got through, Guly headed towards goal but somehow scrambled away by their goalie and defender. game got scrappy, we then lost Holmes with what appears a bad ankle injury, with Chamberlain coming on. Bart then got walloped when Fonte was pushed into him by Cheltenham forward and then the game was held up for our goal kick as Bart seemed to be struggling, if he fully recovered from knock. He then made a good save near half time low down as we lost momentum. Richardson then went off with a groin injury with Butterfield coming on and Cheltenham had another chance before half time but well wide.

Second half saw Harding on for Lambert, after match Adkins said he was injured which might explained partly why he was so ineffective first half. Chamberlain was pushed into a more central role. Main worry we had was whether Bart would be okay having used all 3 subs. Thought we got second within first minute as Gobern headed home but seemingly ruled out for a push. Didnt take long though to get the second goal after Lallana had a shot just wide cross from the right was met by Guly who scored with his head again. Two nil should have been comfortable but Cheltenham had a couple of good chances first superbly smothered by Jaidi who made three excellent blocks in second half just before they were looking to shoot. Bart took another cheap shot from one of their players but fortunately they didn't have much threat up front so wasn't tested to much.

Chamberlain was causing them problems with his pace up front and Lallana was unlucky with an audacious volley which went just over, Butterfield put in some good crosses and Guly put in far more effort second half. Chamberlain was put through following some good play but he shot early and goalie made a reasonable save, then Lallana had another strong shot towards top right hand corner well saved. Finally got the third goal with about 5 minutes left with Gobern heading back across goal from a Lallana corner which was well deserved goal for a much stronger second half performance from Gobern.

Not a great crowd less than 10000 and it was pretty cold but a professional performance. Positives were 3 goals and clean sheet, game for Bart and Gobern who had a poor first half was much better in the second half and used his height to good effect, goal will hopefully give him confidence. Down side were the injuries especially Richardson as has looked a quality full back. Holmes injury could be a bad one.

In the hat for third round and home draw against top premiership side please. Good to see Brighton, Charlton and Bournemouth all have midweek cup games now, shame for Bournemouth fans with game called off at 2, no one gives a toss about the fans!

Bart 7 took a couple of knocks but nice to get a clean sheet
Richardson 7 linked well for 1st goal and hope injury is not serious
Jaidi 8 made some great blocks and really played well considering 3rd game in week
Fonte 7 does give a way a few free kicks with his style and yellow card means he will miss next week trip to Hartlepool, bet he is gutted!!
Dickson 7 think the better full back tried hard in midfield 2nd half
Lallana 8 was at the heart of everything decent
Hammond 7 nothing spectacular but kept everything moving
Gobern 7 Much better second half unlucky with disallowed goal but got his first professional goal
Holmes 6 shame about the injury.
Guly 7 didnt seem at the races in first half but much better second when Lambert was off the pitch.
Lambert 6 would have been 5 but accept Adkins says he had an injury, never looked like scoring or even faintly interested.

Suns

Chamberlain 8 his pace was a problem form them second half when played alongside Guly
Butterfield 7 settled in at the FB position
Harding 6 still looks ropey, got caught a couple of times

Thanks Matty, nice report.