Cheltenham hold Chesterfield in eventful 1-1 draw
24/09/2024
By Taylor Jones
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Taylor Jones reports on the League Two clash between Cheltenham and Chesterfield, providing insight into all of the game's key moments. John Cresswell provides photos from pitch-side.
Photo credits: John Cresswell
Both sides were looking to bounce back after suffering away losses to Port Vale and Salford respectively.
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The National League champions started strong, as Armando Dobra and James Berry caused Cheltenham problems.
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The Robins, who were relegated from League One last season, defended well. However, their problems only worsened as they went behind just before half an hour. A second ball from the corner was not cleared, as Berry picked the ball up on the left flank and danced his way to the near post. He cut the ball back across the six-yard line, at 27 minutes, allowing Dilan Markanday to poke home for his first goal of the season.
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Michael Flynn’s side responded well, but the half was dominated by Chesterfield. Nevertheless, despite Dobra causing mayhem everywhere for the Cheltenham back line, the half ended 1-0.
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Chesterfield started the second half in control again, however Cheltenham were the first to strike. In the 53rd minute, a long clearance bounced over the defence. Ryan Boot came to meet it but was caught in no-mans-land as Arkell Jude-Boyd poked it past the former Port Vale keeper and smashed it home into an empty net, injuring himself in the process.
From that point Cheltenham began to gain momentum, with big chances from Cheltenham’s top scorer - Joel Colwill - and former Oxford United striker - Matty Taylor - spurred, causing fury amongst the home support.
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As the half progressed, Paul Cook’s side became more and more frustrated as they struggled to break down the low block. The Derbyshire outfit saw fortune in the 76th minute. Ryan Colclough burst down the left wing and found an arriving Dobra in acres of space but blundered his chance skying an easy finish.
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This was the best that either side could muster as the game ended a stalemate, marking Cheltenham’s first draw of the season and ending both sides’ losing runs.