From Leeds United Triumphs to Man City Visits: 10 Unforgettable Cheltenham Town Matches Leading Up to Jon Palmer’s 1,000th Report

Jon Palmer, the seasoned football writer for the Gloucestershire Echo and Gloucestershire Live, is set to report his 1,000th competitive Cheltenham Town first-team match at Crewe Alexandra on New Year’s Day. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, Palmer highlights ten unforgettable encounters from his previous 999 match reports that have defined the club’s journey and captured the hearts of fans.

Road to the Millennium Stadium: John Finnigan and Steve Guinan’s critical goals at Adams Park coincided with the iconic ‘Gerrard’ FA Cup final day, propelling Cheltenham towards the Millennium Stadium. Tommy Mooney’s last-minute strike added drama, helping the young, dynamic team secure promotion to League One with a 1-0 victory over Grimsby Town in the final.
Victory at the Liberty Stadium: Cheltenham’s return to third-tier football began with a stunning 2-1 win over promotion favourites Swansea City. Kayode Odejayi and Grant McCann gave the Robins an early lead before Leon Knight’s goal tested their resolve. Despite Adebayo Akinfenwa’s late impact, Cheltenham held firm, marking a significant triumph on the opening day of the 2006/07 season.

Thrilling Comeback Against Rotherham: In a high-octane clash, Cheltenham overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Rotherham 4-2. Inspired by JJ Melligan and goals from Steven Gillespie and Kayode Odejayi, the team’s resilience showcased their growing strength in League One under John Ward’s management.
Memorable Win Over Leeds United: Following a narrow home win, Cheltenham claimed one of their most improbable victories at Leeds. David Bird’s opener and a stunning goal from Alex Russell laid the foundation in a game that boosted confidence in Keith Downing’s fight against relegation. The match featured tough defensive displays and spirited attacking from the Robins.
Survival Showdown Against Doncaster: On the final day of the season, a dramatic 2-1 victory over promotion-chasing Doncaster secured Cheltenham’s League One status. Paul Connor’s decisive goal in front of a near-capacity crowd brought elation and relief, highlighting Downing’s successful tenure after taking over mid-season.
Wembley Qualifier at Plainmoor: Cheltenham secured their first and only Wembley appearance with a gritty win over Torquay United. Marlon Pack’s precise free-kick and Scott Brown’s outstanding goalkeeping were pivotal in this vital play-off semi-final.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City Visit: In a surreal friendly at Whaddon Road, Cheltenham led Manchester City for 22 minutes with a goal from Alfie May. Despite a late City comeback from Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus, and Ferran Torres, the night was a testament to the Robins’ spirit and earned praise from Guardiola himself.
League One Comeback Against Ipswich Town: Cheltenham bounced back from an early deficit to defeat Ipswich Town, with key goals from Callum Wright and Will Boyle fueled by Ben Tozer’s long throws. This win cemented their highest-ever League One finish and marked a milestone in their third-tier journey.
Wade Elliott’s Relegation Battle: Under Wade Elliott, Cheltenham managed to avoid the drop in 2022/23, boosted by Alfie May’s remarkable goals—including a stunning shot from the halfway line against Peterborough United that left the goalkeeper stunned. The unbeaten streak lifted the team away from danger.
Steve Cotterill’s Inspirational Return: Cheltenham’s fortunes turned dramatically under Cotterill, who led them from a crushing 7-1 defeat to a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Fleetwood Town. Goals from Isaac Hutchinson and Josh Martin complemented Cotterill’s emotional lap of honour, signaling renewed hope for the club’s future.

Jon Palmer’s reports have chronicled Cheltenham’s highs and lows, illustrating the passion, drama, and resilience that define this historic club. As he reaches this extraordinary personal milestone, these ten matches stand as a testament to the vibrant story of Cheltenham Town football.