Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill expressed mixed feelings following a 2-2 draw away at Barnet. While pleased with his team’s overall performance, he voiced strong disappointment with the officiating during the match.
Reflecting on the result, Cotterill said he was not happy with settling for a point, largely due to what he described as a “very poor refereeing performance”. Although he praised referee Abigail Byrne, he felt the decisions made during the game, including a contentious penalty call, were not clear or correct. He added that the assistant referee could have offered more support, but the officials as a whole fell short.
Turning to his team, Cotterill was positive about their efforts. He believed Cheltenham should have secured a win, pointing to several good chances created. The defence performed well, with notable contributions from Jake Evans who made crucial blocks in the first half. However, Cotterill admitted the opening 20 to 25 minutes were not up to standard, especially regarding their passing. The team improved after that period and showed patterns of play that reflected their quality.
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The goals from Ryan Broom and Charlie McCann were highlights, showcasing some effective finishing. Cotterill noted that although they created chances, more clinical finishing was needed early on to set the tone of the match.
Defensively, goalkeeper Wyll Standway was not heavily tested, with the opposition mainly opting for direct balls. Cotterill commented that despite the challenge presented by Barnet’s style, his team answered most threats effectively.
He also provided updates on squad fitness, mentioning the return of James Wilson from injury and the strong performances of Shaun McWilliams and Freddy Willcox in midfield. The midfield duo were instrumental in helping Cheltenham assert control in the second half. He praised McWilliams for an “unbelievable shift” and highlighted Willcox’s toughness and improving positional play.
Cotterill emphasised the team’s character and resilience, making clear that their efforts were not just about visible enthusiasm but involved thoughtful play and tactical awareness.
On the topic of transfer business ahead of the upcoming deadline, the manager was candid, stating that Cheltenham were not close to signing anyone currently. He expressed a pragmatic attitude towards the deadline day pressures, recalling his own experiences in management where last-minute moves shaped careers.
Finally, Cotterill acknowledged the quality of Barnet under Dean Brennan, expressing respect for Brennan’s work and familiarity with his squad. He recognised the challenge posed by the opponents but remained proud of his team’s response, despite the frustration over the refereeing.
Regarding player injuries, updates on Pierce Sweeney and Ben Stevenson were expected soon, with Cotterill cautious over their conditions after the match.
Overall, the Cheltenham boss showed pride in his squad’s performance and character but remains determined to improve results and overcome the setbacks encountered during the game.