5th May 2021

After Cheltenham took the lead from a rebounded penalty, Yeovil salvaged a point through skipper Medrano’s close-range finish. The home side pressed for the three points with a much improved second half performance, but honours were even at Alvington.

With the Glovers missing experienced second year graduates Hughes and Lloyd, the home side took some time to settle, and the Robins flew at the home defence with a series of threatening attacking moves. The visitors had a goal chalked off for a foul, before Corrbridge made a great block from the dangerous number nine. Pike was then forced to make an excellent save, pushing the ball round the post. Some nice interplay between Heaton and Medrano down the left lead to a Medrano shot sailing wide but chances were limited, and lone striker Skiverton was struggling for service as the half drew to a close.

Cheltenham continued to press for an opener and a free kick was well saved by Pike before the breakthrough came in the 57th minute. Following a good move down the left, the Robins hit the post and as the ball came out, Andrews committed a foul in the box and a penalty was given. The Cheltenham number nine saw his spot kick saved but was quick to follow up to make it 0-1.

Head Coach Mark Challen looked to re-organise things and deployed Stephens into a more advanced role. The Glovers then put in a vastly improved performance and Guppy saw a header well saved.  Benjani Jr came on for Andrews and not long after, Stephens saw a shot drift narrowly wide. The pressure was mounting however and following a corner and header back across the goal, Medrano found himself in space to stab home the equaliser, 1-1.

An action-packed final quarter saw Pike make an excellent reaction save before Cheltenham were reduced to ten when a player was sent off for impeding a goal kick. Hunter came on for Skiverton in an attacking change as the home side tried to make their extra man count, but it was Cheltenham who nearly stole it until Corrbridge chased back and made a fantastic sliding tackle. In the dying moments Yeovil thought they had the game won but a header from a corner crashed against the post and ran to safety.

 

Team: Pike (GK), Brito, Haste, Corrbridge, Medrano ©, Stephens, Guppy, Constanza, Andrews (Benjani Jr. 60) Heaton, Skiverton (Hunter 80)

 

The Glovers go to Newport on 8th May for their final game in the Merit League 1 with the title now out of reach.