Cheltenham Town: Fan's view of Chesterfield win with Peter Fielding

Cheltenham Town struck late in stoppage time, as Paul Benson snatched all three points in dramatic style against Chesterfield.

After an encouraging 2-1 victory against AFC Wimbledon, optimism was high among the Cheltenham fans, and despite a somewhat exasperating, monotonous game, the Robins finally saw fortune on their side, as Benson scored a goal that could have major implications on the League Two promotion race.

Cheltenham started the game well, with an unchanged side from the victory against Wimbledon successfully retaining possession, but failing to make any clear opportunities on goal.

Maybe this was the result of the secluded Paul Benson playing as target man, or the garish kit, a shade of orange that can only be described as a combination of Lucozade and cinder toffee, donned by Spireites ‘keeper Tommy Lee.

At the other end the Robins remained resolute, with the reliable Steve Elliott, and ever-improving Michael Hector defending imposingly against livewire Mario Balotelli look-a-like Armand Gnanduillet.

In a drab first half that lacked clear cut opportunities at both ends, Chesterfield’s only visually striking feature was Gnanduillet’s lime-green boots, as the first half ended 0-0.

The second half was a continuation of this rather uninspiring football, with Sam Deering persevering behind Benson, without any obvious opportunities created. Mark Yates threw the dice, replacing the uninspiring Darren Carter with new-signing Byron Harrison and consistent Russell Penn with the electrifying Jermaine McGlashan.

This substitution paid dividends as the Robins began to progress into the Chesterfield half, growing in dominance as the game reached the final minutes. Veteran striker Jack Lester could have sealed all three points for the Spireites five minutes from time, before Kaid Mohamed replaced the fans’ man of the match Sam Deering. Mohamed teed up Billy Jones who’s whipped cross was nodded in by the hard-working Benson sending the Robins fans and players into delirium.

Although this game will not live long in the memory as far as quality of football is concerned; the result could prove to be invaluable.

A clean sheet was well deserved, but our inability to create opportunities on goal is still concerning. However, perseverance paid off, and Benson, who has the ability to win any game, justified Yates’ decision to bring him to Whaddon Road.

Come on you Robins!

OUT OF TEN

Scott Brown - 6 - Didn’t have anything to do in truth, but a well-deserved clean sheet.

Keith Lowe - 6 - Another steady performance from the fans’ favourite.

Michael Hector - 7- Hector just gets better and better. Really impressive alongside Steve Elliott.

Steve Elliott - 7 - Mr consistent continues to roll back the years, playing with the spirit and tenacity of someone 10 years younger! My man of the match.

Billy Jones - 6 - Wobbly when defending at times but produced that all important cross for Paul Benson’s goal.

Marlon Pack - 6 - Not Pack’s finest performance against a well-organised Chesterfield side. Nonetheless he adds skill and flare to the side.

Jason Taylor - 6 - Another tough, spirited performance from the Yorkshireman.

Darren Carter - 5 - I haven’t been impressed by Carter who has lacked ideas and influence on our recent games.

Russell Penn - 6 - Another busy game from Penn, who is doing an admirable job as captain.

Sam Deering - 7- Didn’t have quite as much impact as on Saturday, but another excellent performance - showing commendable effort .

Paul Benson - 7 - Feeding off scraps for the whole game, Benson persevered and deserved the winning goal.

Substitutes:

Jermaine McGlashan - 6 - Jermaine had a big influence on the game, pushing the Robins forward and putting pressure on the Chesterfield goal.

Byron Harrison - 6 - Showed good physical qualities, but needs longer to prove himself.

Kaid Mohamed - 6- Wasn’t on for long enough, but provided that all important pass to Billy Jones for the goal.