Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill praised his team’s performance following their 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra, emphasizing the pride the players should feel for their efforts.
Reflecting on the match, Cotterill said, “We were brilliant—definitely the better team tonight. How we haven’t won, I don’t know. It came down to the finest of margins." He noted the heart-breaking nature of the game, with both sides hitting the post and Crewe scoring a late equalizer from a failed clearance. “I’m absolutely gutted for the players,” he admitted, praising their energy, enthusiasm, and passing ability, all aimed at a push for the play-offs. “We gave them a right good working over tonight.”
Cotterill highlighted the confidence and fluency of his side, crediting hard work on the training ground. “Without the players, none of this is possible. We look like a team to be proud of.” The supporters’ appreciation, demonstrated by applause at full time, was a testament to the squad’s effort and style.
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Though disappointed with the draw, Cotterill sees it as a positive indicator of progress. “You have to almost forget the result and measure how far you’ve come. They have come a million miles.”
The forward line, including Josh Davison, Jake Bickerstaff, and Jordan Thomas, impressed with their hard running and smart passing. Cotterill praised Bickerstaff’s goal, noting it was a deserved uplift after a couple of quieter games.
The one moment of regret was the late goal conceded, which Cotterill analyzed in detail, highlighting the defensive lapse and missed opportunities to prevent the set-piece that led to Crewe’s equalizer. “George Miller will feel he should have done better at the near post. That goal really shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
Cheltenham Town extended their unbeaten run to eight games, a streak Cotterill credits to resilience and continued effort. “We definitely deserved to win, no shadow of a doubt.”
Reflecting on the team’s progress since the heavy New Year’s Day defeat at Crewe, Cotterill said, “We have come a long way. Not every result will be perfect, but the spirit and work ethic is exceptional. The players have really given the supporters their club back, and they should be proud.”
Regarding individual performances, Cotterill singled out Ryan Broom for a strong showing in his first start since injury, describing him as a “lovely lad” who seized his moment. Meanwhile, defender Robbie Cundy was rested due to a lingering knee issue. Cotterill explained efforts to manage the injury carefully given the congested fixture schedule, hoping for a speedy recovery.
Overall, Cotterill’s message was clear: hard work, pride, and perseverance have transformed Cheltenham Town, rekindling the bond between players and supporters and setting a foundation for continued success.