NINE months ago, on their last trip to Cheshire, Cheltenham Town endured one of the most horrific days in their recent history when crumbling to an 8-1 defeat at Crewe.

On Saturday, the resurgent Robins were lift grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cats as a 3-1 victory at Macclesfield Town saw Mark Yates' transformed side surge to the summit of League Two.

Goals from Sido Jombati, recalled striker Jeff Goulding and loan-signing Luke Garbutt cancelled Marcus Marshall's opener and sealed a win that, although never truly comfortable, gives the Robins certain hope that they can remain top of the pile.

After the disappointing derby defeat to Bristol Rovers last weekend it was probably a good thing that the Robins were asked a few questions at Moss Rose.

Whereas they failed to find any answers whatsoever when slipping to defeat at home seven days ago, they flew through this stern examination.

The first test was that of the manger Mark Yates, who decided to make three changes to the side from that Rovers defeat.

In came new signing Jermaine McGlashan for a first start, back came Jeff Goulding to the starting line-up, while Mr Dependable himself Brian Smikle rose from his role as super sub to steady starter.

All three had a major impact on proceedings, and go to show the strength in depth available to Yates and assistant Neil Howarth in this current crop.

Smikle was by far the pick of the bunch in the first half, cleverly finding space in his free-role behind solitary striker Goulding.

Chances were at a premium early on, however, and only a stinging free-kick from Garbutt extended Cape Verde international Jose Veiga in the home goal.

New boy Marshall and tricky winger Colin Daniel both went close as the hosts began to take control ahead of their 30th-minute opening goal.

Matthew Hamshaw surged into space on the right flank and sent over a teasing ball that evaded the Cheltenham back four.

Marshall connected at the far post and guided his shot goalwards and, in the opinion of the assistant referee, past the despairing dive of Brown and over the line.

Nine months ago, and on their Crewe form, the Robins may have felt sorry for themselves at a lack of fortune. Not this bunch, they are made of much sterner stuff and the response was almost immediate.

Goulding fed Luke Summerfield, who was denied by a desperately diving Veiga and from the subsequent corner the scores were level.

Veiga came a long way to grab Garbutt's flag kick. He didn't gather and Keith Lowe lobbed the loose ball goalwards, where after Goulding was denied by a desperate block, Jombati stabbed home his second of the season.

Macclesfield's lead had lasted just seven minutes and after holding out until half-time with little discomfort, the Robins took firm control in the second period.

It was new boy McGlashan who proved the inspiration as he gave a tantalising glimpse of his searing talents.

The former Aldershot man had appeals for a penalty waved away, before creating two superb chances with direct runs down the right.

First he raced past Carl Tremarco and fired a powerful cross-shot that Veiga just held on to with Smikle lurking for a tap in.

Then, another electric run saw McGlashan whip over a cross that was cushioned by the head of Goulding into the path of the onrushing Summerfield, only for the midfielder to fluff his lines when well placed.

A goal was surely coming and Kaid Mohamed was next to line up in the coconut shy, as after more good work from McGlashan and Goulding, the pacy winger shot wide from a central position.

The second goal eventually arrived at the mid-point of the half as route one provided the breakthrough.

Scott Brown's long clearance was nodded by Mohamed into the path of Smikle and after a quick exchange, Goulding was teed up to shoot on the edge of the area and he made no mistake with a low right-footed drive that sped past Veiga.

Macclesfield were far from finished at 2-1, however, and only desperate defending from Jombati and Brown stopped Hamshaw from levelling from five yards after more good work from the lively Marshall.

Brown then produced a superb save to deny Ben Mills' header, leaping full stretch to his left to turn the ball around the post.

That kept the Robins' noses in front and they extended their lead into the realms of comfort in injury time.

A foul on Pack gave Garbutt a second dead-ball chance of the afternoon and the Everton youngster took full advantage, beating Veiga with the aid of a deflection and send the Robins three points clear at the top of League Two.

Macclesfield Town: J Veiga; E Hewitt, S Brisley, T Diagne, C Tremarco; S Kay (W Fairhurst 82), A Mendy (M Bakare 88); M Marshall, M Hamshaw, C Daniel; B Mills.

subs not used: J Bateson, M Thomas, G Daniels.

Cheltenham Town: S Brown; S Jombati, A Bennett, K Lowe, L Garbutt; L Summerfield, M Pack; J McGlashan (R Penn 76), B Smikle, K Mohamed (D Duffy 90); J Goulding (J Spencer 87)

subs not used: J Low, H Hooman.

referee: Mr C Pawson.

Attendance: 1,659

star man: Jermaine McGlashan - Along with fellow attacking midfielders Brian Smikle and Kaid Mohamed, the new boy helped the Robins wrestle control of the game in the early stages of the second half.