Russell Milton: Cheltenham stuck to the script

Posted Sunday, September 09, 2018 by PA

Cheltenham caretaker boss Russell Milton was delighted with his side’s performance in the 3-1 victory at Northampton.

The Robins had just four points from six games before kick-off but Will Boyle’s header gave them a half-time lead.

Kevin van Veen’s penalty brought Northampton level but Conor Thomas converted a spot-kick of his own and Kelsey Mooney’s late third wrapped up just a second victory of the campaign.

“I’m very pleased,” said Milton. “It was a good performance and the players followed the script.

“Northampton were good early doors but we managed to get through that period. We were a bit shaky with the ball but we were good without it.

“We filled gaps and worked hard for each other and the spirit was really good I thought.

“As the game went on we got more control and it was only really one mistake that allowed them in.

“I made sure the lads kept their heads and kept doing what they were doing because chances would come, which they did.

“Their goal didn’t affect us which was more pleasing than anything because goals change minds and change games, but it didn’t for us.

“We realised it was just a mistake and we were really good. There were a lot of good performances out there and a lot of energy and calmness.

“We took our chances when they came along. We got in the box a number of times, we stayed composed and we picked players out. We stuck to the task off the ball and broke forward when we had good possession.”

The defeat extended Northampton’s poor start to the season to one win in seven league games.

“It’s frustrating, obviously,” said manager Dean Austin. “The result is disappointing but the first 35 minutes were probably the best we’ve played here and we created a number of openings.

“But they go into our box for the first time and we don’t defend the set-piece and we concede.

“I feel things aren’t going for us at the moment and the free-kick for the first goal was taken seven or eight yards away from where it was and I think that makes a difference.

“The second goal is not a free-kick but they take it quick and Shay Facey gives away a penalty and the third one is offside and it’s handball.

“I’ve seen them all on the computer, but that’s not the reason why we lost. You’ve still got to deal with it at the end of the day but when things aren’t running for you and when you feel everything is on top of you, those are the things that don’t go your way.”