A case for the defence – Brown Sugar

It was pointed out to me after yesterday’s blog that I failed to mention the Robin’s defence.

While this is a fair comment, the fact is that Cheltenham caught the eye going forward and – despite Crewe’s two goals – always looked the better attacking team. As Crewe boss Dario Gradi said: “I thought they were going to score ten in the first 30 minutes!”

Given this, you tend not to concentrate too much on the defending. However, both full backs – Keith Lowe and Danny Andrew – looked good going forward in support of the midfield. Steve Elliott is a solid performer at this level and looked a real rock (I was surprised when he was allowed to leave Bristol Rovers in the summer) and Martin Riley looked equally comfortable alongside him before going off with a hamstring injury on the half hour.

The dependable David Bird replaced Riley and Lowe moved into the centre to accommodate him, but Cheltenham weren’t thrown be the change and carried on playing in the same positive manner.

When you’re a keeper you hate to concede, but Scott Brown was faultless for either goal. Central defender Patrick Ada’s volley from a corner was something he may have done hundreds of times in his dreams, but one would suspect it isn’t something Gradi insists on him practicing on the training ground! And Zola’s header from a free kick was beyond Brown as well.

In fact, had Brown not been at his best in the closing minutes, Shaun Miller might have stolen an undeserved point, but the young keeper palmed away the striker’s point blank header from ten yards to ensure victory.

So to the person who is more interested in the back five, I hope this redresses the balance!!