Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill praised Buxton’s spirited support but was pleased with his team’s dominant second-half display in their FA Cup second-round victory. Despite Buxton leading 2-1 at halftime, Cheltenham turned the tide in challenging windy conditions to score five goals after the break and secure a 6-2 triumph.
Cotterill admitted the first half was tricky, with Buxton well-prepared and making key personnel changes. The Cheltenham boss acknowledged a defensive error leading to a free-kick against strong winds but emphasized the team’s calmness and focus at halftime to execute their plan better in the second stanza. He stressed the importance of continuity in defense amid injuries, highlighting changes such as introducing Robbie Cundy for Scot Bennett and trusting Hakeeb Adelakun’s fitness to make an impact.
The injury to Ryan Broom, likely a hamstring issue, was a concern, but Cotterill was pleased with the replacements stepping up and maintaining team balance. The five-goal second half boosted Cheltenham’s confidence, but Cotterill remained humble, recognizing Buxton’s day and the importance of staying grounded despite recent successes.
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Financially, the win adds significant prize money—around £120,000 for two FA Cup rounds—which Cotterill welcomed as valuable for the club. Looking ahead to round three, he expressed eagerness to draw a big team, ready to “batten down the hatches” and make the most of the opportunity.
Cotterill also commended Buxton’s fans for their passionate support and took a moment to publicly acknowledge them post-match, praising the humility of his players and the club’s work ethic. Reflecting on individual performances, he noted Scot Bennett’s experience will serve him well in bouncing back from a tough first half after a long injury layoff. Overall, Cotterill is focused on continual improvement, adaptability, and the players’ love of the game as keys to future success.