What a match it was! This is what football is all about—excitement, passion, and resilience. It’s been an incredibly tough week for us, but the lads have been outstanding throughout. The first half was challenging as the strong wind pinned us back, making it hard to find our rhythm. It’s frustrating—why does the wind always blow so strongly at 3 pm? Despite falling behind early to Salford’s goals, the team showed true character.
Our bench played a crucial role today, and I want to congratulate everyone for their effort. Securing three points and reaching the 35-point mark was vital. I spoke to the lads about pivotal weekends, and this was undoubtedly one of them.
The second half started with a penalty that Isaac Hutchinson calmly converted—a crucial moment after a contentious sending-off and a lengthy added time of 10 minutes. Hutchinson kept his composure magnificently, and I even adjusted his position to keep him clear of unnecessary tension on the pitch. Our tactical switch from 4-4-2 back to 4-3-3 showed the team’s adaptability.
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The contributions from our young loanees Harry Ashfield and Cole Deeming stood out. Ashfield scored a stunning goal, cutting inside and firing a beautiful shot, while Deeming impressed with his precise left-footed deliveries. Both are talented players with bright futures ahead. They’ve been coached intensely and will experience ups and downs as they grow, but moments like these are big confidence boosters.
Bringing these young players on when the team was trailing 2-1 was a calculated risk that paid off. They accepted their roles and trained with great professionalism. George Miller’s late headed winner was a reward for his hard work—he fought and positioned himself perfectly to make an impact off the bench.
Finishing the week unbeaten with five points is more than just pretty good—it’s a testament to the squad’s hard work and determination. While we don’t want to keep coming from behind, the team’s fighting spirit is encouraging.
A particularly heartwarming moment came when Miller dedicated his goal to our kit manager Gerry Oldham, celebrating his birthday—a reflection of the family atmosphere within the club.
This was one of the most emotionally charged games I’ve managed. Amid the chaos and intensity, I drew on my experience to maintain a clear head and make timely decisions that helped us secure the win.
The draws at Barnet and Bromley were valuable, but this victory makes those points even more meaningful. Our fans have been incredible throughout, and their unwavering support drives us. My personal connection to Cheltenham fuels my passion—I want nothing more than to succeed for this club. When we lose, it hurts deeply because it feels like a letdown to the whole community. Today’s result was a step in the right direction, proving the team’s resilience and commitment.