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Match Reports

Town 0 - 1 Cheltenham - Town fall to narrow defeat

9 February 2021

A goal in the latter moments of the first half from Will Boyle was enough to consign Town to a 1-0 defeat at home to Cheltenham Town.

There was little to separate the two sides over the ninety minutes but despite some positive passages of play Simon Weaver's side fell short in the final third and were left empty handed after enjoying back to back victories.

As expected, Town made just one change to the side with Jake Lawlor replacing the suspended Will Smith.

Cheltenham also made one change, with Chris Hussey coming in for Lewis Freestone. Callum Wright also returned to the bench for the Robins.

It was the home side who set the early pace with wide men Josh McPake and Simon Power continuing their form that overwhelmed the Crawley defence last Saturday. However, Town had little to show for their efforts aside from a corner that was comfortably dealt with by the visitors.

The visitors signalled their intent as they looked to get the ball forward quickly and directly to put pressure on the Town back line.

The first moment of real note though occurred after 25 minutes when the visitors forward Andy Williams produced a sumptuous spin and turn on the edge of the box but his subsequent effort was cleared off the line by Jake Lawlor.

Alfie May went close ten minutes later when a long ball forward got the better of the Town defence, but his shot was palmed away by James Belshaw.

May then wasted a gilt-edged opportunity after being played through but he snatched at the chance and blazed his shot well over.

Although Town were arguably having the better of the play the better chances were falling to the Robins and with half-time approaching they finally made one count. Town failed to clear their lines and Boyle perfectly positioned his header beyond Belshaw for his fourth goal of the season.

After drawing five of their previous six games the visitors were hoping to hold firm and take all three points to reinvigorate their playoff hopes.

Town continued to probe though after the break and Aaron Martin tested Josh Griffiths in the Cheltenham goal from an Ed Francis cross delivered to the far post.

Conor Thomas then went closer after 67 minutes when his scissor kick landed narrowly wide of Belshaw's left-hand post.

With 15 minutes remaining Weaver made a double change in a bid to get something from a game that was beginning to drift away with Ryan Fallowfield and top scorer Jack Muldoon replacing Warren Burrell and Josh McPake.

The moves brought a renewed energy to Town's play and in the closing stages Josh Andrews was also introduced for his debut but despite some strong play in the Cheltenham half they couldn't quite fashion the chance needed to get something from the game.

Harrogate Town: Belshaw, Burrell (Fallowfield, 75), Francis, Lawlor (Andrews, 89), Hall, Smith, Falkingham, Thomson, Power, McPake (Muldoon, 75), Martin, March.

Subs not used: Minter, Kiernan, Kerry.

Cheltenham Town: Griffiths, Hussey, Tozer, Raglan, Thomas, Clements (Long, 29), May (Vassiliev, 80), Blair, Williams, Boyle, Azaz (Sercombe, 80).

Subs not used: Bowry, Addai, Harris, Wright.

Goal: Boyle (43)

Referee: Darren Drysdale.
 

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