Cheltenham Town striker's relief at end of barren run
JUSTIN Richards says it was a relief to end his two-and-a-half month goal drought in Cheltenham Town's extraordinary 6-5 win at Burton Albion last Saturday, writes Jon Palmer.
The Robins recovered from a dire first-half display to score six goals in the second period, with Richards bagging a brace.
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Justin Richards scored twice in the amazing 6-5 win at Burton
He had not scored since converting his penalty at Bradford City on January 2, with his last goal in open play at Dagenham and Redbridge five days earlier.
Richards' first was set up by good play from David Hutton on the right in the 54th minute, which made it 2-1 and his second was a calm finish from Julian Alsop's flick on in the final minute to make it 5-5, before Michael Pook's dramatic clincher four minutes into time added on.
"Every time I play I try to score, but unfortunately it wasn't happening for me," Richards said.
"It's not really been happening for anybody when you look at it, but I have weighed in with a couple and everyone pulled together."
The 29-year-old had only one Football League goal to his name before this season, but he has now reached double figures with 11 matches remaining.
His second-half performance at the Pirelli Stadium earned him a place in the Coca-Cola League Two team of the week along with hat-trick hero Pook.
With Cheltenham trailing 2-0, Richards says the verbal tirade at half-time from boss Mark Yates had the desired effect.
"It was tense at half-time, but it was a signal to pull together a bit more and do anything to try and get a result, which showed in the second half," he said.
"But nobody saw 6-5 coming and it was a crazy game."
Cheltenham Town take on ninth placed Port Vale at the Abbey Business Stadium this Saturday, aiming to extend their six-point advantage over 23rd placed Grimsby Town in the race to avoid the drop.
■ Tim Flowers, who had been working for one morning a week as goalkeeping coach with Cheltenham Town, has been named in Iain Dowie's management team at Hull City.
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by Benny the Docker, Grimsby
Friday, March 19 2010, 5:55PM
“Well said big Rob been thinking that myself. They are favorites for relegation 2010-11 season so won't have long to wait.”
by Dan, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 18 2010, 9:13PM
“Why does every single one of these appear to be turning into a pathetic slagging match?
Who cares what Grimsby think? They're the ones who are 6 points behind and have played a game more - so maybe they should focus on supporting their team rather than dishing out personal insults.
To fleetingly return to the actual article, I'm still yet to be convinced by Richards so I hope Yates gets another striker in on loan to keep the other boys on their toes.
Any ideas who he has in the pipeline after we missed out on Akinde?”
by Tim, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 18 2010, 6:37PM
“Our patheticly small bunch of fans outnumbered and outsang yours at the play off final which oh yeah we won too Big Rob. As for getting battered, stick to fish it's the only thing you can batter in Grimsby.”
by Steve, Prestbury
Thursday, March 18 2010, 5:40PM
“Big rob, Temper temper next you will be throwing your toys out of your pram. Or in your case a Fish box on Wheels you are just living in a dream world. Name big rob small willie.”
by big rob, grimsby
Thursday, March 18 2010, 4:58PM
“You lot of southern nonces had better hope that we do go down for your own sakes.
After all the mouthing it youve done on our site, your pathetically small number of fans will get battered home and away next time we play you”
by steve, Prestbury
Thursday, March 18 2010, 4:56PM
“Darren, At least my comment was about football.”
by Matt, Grimsby
Thursday, March 18 2010, 4:31PM
“only because the moderator removes them”
by Craig, Still Here, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 18 2010, 2:23PM
“*Enjoying reading the comments today with a less bitter fish smell around for a nice change.”
by Paul, Cheltenham
Thursday, March 18 2010, 2:21PM
“Re: Tim Flowers
It'll be a shame for the club if he won't be able to carry on with a bit of coaching for Scott Brown, although a good move for him personally.
Has any else noticed that Scott's distribution has improved, kicking from the floor is better, managed to throw out to the full backs on occasions. Perhaps having better quality full-backs helps.
Just needs to improve his punting...”
by Darren, Whaddon
Thursday, March 18 2010, 1:05PM
“Steve what has your comment got to do with what justin is saying? 1 rule for one with you aint it?”