Steve Cotterill’s first FA Cup campaign as Cheltenham Town manager marked a historic milestone, guiding the club to the third round for the first time in 64 years.
Starting from the first qualifying round, Cheltenham overcame a series of challenges — knocking out Thatcham Town, Paulton Rovers, Weymouth, Sutton United, and Tiverton Town — before defeating Boreham Wood in a replay. This triumphant run earned them a home fixture against Reading, a side three tiers above the non-league Robins at the time.
Cheltenham’s last third-round appearance dated back to the 1933/34 season when they secured victories over Barnet and Carlisle, culminating in a thrilling third round against Blackpool at the Cheltenham Athletic Ground, witnessed by 10,389 fans. Despite Reading’s eventual progress after a replay, Dale Watkins’ penalty and Clive Walker’s equalizer showcased Cheltenham’s resilience against superior opposition.
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In the 2000/01 FA Cup, Cotterill led Cheltenham to a memorable 4-1 first round victory against Shrewsbury Town, marking their first win over Football League opponents since 1933. Though their journey ended in the second round against Cardiff City, it laid groundwork for future cup success.
The 2001/02 season proved unforgettable. Cheltenham secured emphatic away victories over Kettering Town (6-1) and Hinckley United (2-0), before a stunning 2-1 third round win over Oldham Athletic, who were then one division above. Tony Naylor’s brace shocked the football community.
Their underdog spirit powered them into the fourth round, setting up a clash with second-tier Burnley. A crowd of 7,300 – the second highest ever at Whaddon Road – watched Cheltenham claim a famous 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Russell Milton and Julian Alsop. The dream ran further as the Robins battled West Bromwich Albion in the fifth round, narrowly losing 1-0 through Daniele Dichio’s header. The match drew a massive 27,179 spectators, marking Cheltenham’s best-ever FA Cup run to date.
After Cotterill’s first reign ended, his return has sparked renewed FA Cup ambition. This season, Cheltenham already ousted League One Bradford City in the first round with Isaac Hutchinson’s decisive header. Now, National League North side Buxton stands between the Robins and another third-round appearance, with the draw scheduled for Monday evening.
Alongside pride, the tie offers a financial boost: second round losers receive £21,200, contributing to the total £79,500 prize pot on the line.
Cotterill expressed enthusiasm ahead of the match: “The FA Cup is a fantastic competition. It’s something we’re looking forward to, as I’m sure Buxton are. They’re a good team, well managed and well coached. We did well in the first round in a very tough game against Bradford, and we want to continue that.”
Notably, Russell Milton, a hero of the 2002 Burnley victory and now Cheltenham’s chief scout, recently observed Buxton’s 2-1 home defeat to Merthyr Town. Cotterill emphasized meticulous preparation: “We know their team, their players, and how they play. It’s no different from any other game. It’s a tricky fixture, and we need to be at our best.”
Buxton, managed by John McGrath, maintain strong local ties; McGrath once played for Burton Albion in a thrilling 6-5 defeat by Cheltenham in 2010. Additionally, ex-Robins defender Pablo Mills contributes to Buxton’s coaching staff, adding intrigue to the matchup.
As Cheltenham Town chase another FA Cup chapter under Steve Cotterill’s guidance, Saturday’s tie promises to revive memories of past glories and inspire new ones.