Cheltenham Tanned by Green

A goal midway through the first half from classy Welshman Ryan Green was enough to secure three points for The Bulls at Whaddle Road on Tuesday evening.

Green was recalled to starting line-up along with Ryan Valentine, Richard Rose moved to centre back replacing the suspended Downing while Adam Bartlett returned in place of Adamson and Edrissa Sonko made a long awaited return to first team action on the right of midfield.

The Bulls were quickly into their stride with Valentine advancing down the left and delivering a chance to McCallum but the opportunity was scuffed wide. Alsop flicked on a long Cheltenham throw but Bartlett was on hand to palm away at the expense of a corner, which was cleared without threat before McQuilken picked up a needless early booking. His challenge was doubtless a foul but walking away when being addressed by the referee probably cost him the caution, which was to prove expensive later in the game. Valentine played a delightful cross-field ball to Sonko who immediately crossed to the back post where Constantine’s downward header was scrambled off the goal-line. Then Ryan Green showed what has been sorely missed of late with a trademark overlapping thrust down the right flank ending in a Sonko cross that was a fraction long. For Cheltenham, Pook and Hutton both sent efforts high over the bar but Green was not to be denied and soon engineered and scored the only goal of the match. Picking the ball up near the halfway line, Green roared into the opponents half before playing a classic pass and move with Kenny Lunt before hammering the ball passed Brown in the home goal to notch his first strike since his promotion winning effort at Leicester. At the other end, Hayles missed a golden chance from just five yards when he screwed horribly wide from Hutton’s cross. Hayles then produced a chance for Hutton but Bartlett pushed the midfielder’s effort round the post. As the half drew to a close, another Green rampage into Robins territory almost produced a second goal before McQuilken’s rash challenge saw him receive a second yellow and his marching orders.

HT Cheltenham 0 Bulls 1

Hereford emerged for the second period a man short with Trewick electing to leave McCallum up front as a lone striker while Constantine played to the right of midfield. Sonko joined Lunt in the centre to replace the departed McQuilken as The Bulls looked to resist the expected onslaught. An early cross from the right found the head of Alsop but the soft fruit specialist could only direct his effort straight at Bartlett who comfortably held. As the half progressed, Hereford found themselves fighting a rearguard action although a hoofed Constantine clearance did almost create an opportunity for McCallum but Brown was off his line quickly to gather. McCallum was guilty of picking up a silly booking for kicking the ball away but continued to graft away in his lone role up front before eventually giving way for Manset for the final fifteen minutes. He received generous applause for his efforts from the Bulls’ supporters as he left the pitch. Meanwhile, Adam Bartlett was very busy in his laundry maintaining Mr Trewick’s clean sheets as he brought off a string of fine saves including a couple of full-length efforts and a series of goal-line blocks as The Robins added both Hammond and Richards to their strikeforce. Hayles’ spin/turn provided space for a shot but he fired into Bartlett waiting gloves while Gallinagh and Pook both blasted high over the bar when well placed. Another surging run from Ryan Green, this time playing a wall pass with Manset, almost produced a second goal but the fullback’s effort was deflected wide. The home side bombarded The Bulls’ back line but were unable to find an equaliser and the 495 Herefordians amongst the total of 3273 went home happy.

FT Cheltenham 0 Bulls 1

This was a much-improved performance from the United squad that had shipped a shedfull of goals in recent games. The return of the experienced Valentine and, in particular, Ryan Green brought shape and reliability to the defence. Kenny Lunt again put in a good shift with some timely interceptions and good quality movement and touch while Sonko’s early delivery from wide and his later graft in the central area was invaluable. In the heart of the defence, Richard Rose and young Daniel Preston proved stubborn opponents for Hayles and Alsop. It was a good response following some woeful recent performances and the now traditional three points from Gloucestershire are very welcome.

Man of the match? Hmmm…a four way tie between Bartlett, Lunt, McCallum (for his lone striker effort) and Green. Sorry Ryan…a goal but no banana.

Cheltenham: Brown, Bird (Watkins 45), Gallinagh (Hammond 89), Eastham, Ridley, Hutton (Richards 70), Thornhill, Pook, Low, Hayles, Alsop. Subs unused: Puddy, Duff, Watkins, Lewis, Andrew.

Hereford: Bartlett, Green, Preston, Rose, Valentine, Pugh, Lunt, McQuilkin, Sonko, McCallum (Manset 76), Constantine (Lowe 82). Subs unused: Gwynne, Weir, Morris, Done.

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