Cheltenham Town manager Steve Cotterill remained upbeat after his team secured a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Cambridge United. Despite a tough run of games, Cotterill praised his players for their resilience and determination.
“We didn’t deserve to lose today,” said Cotterill. “Cambridge are a strong team—as seen in their recent performances—but our squad has battled through a difficult schedule, including extensive travel, and they’ve done exceptionally well to maintain their form.”
The match itself saw few scoring chances, with Cheltenham slightly edging possession in the second half. A single lapse allowed Cambridge to score early, but Cheltenham fought back relentlessly, grabbing a late equaliser that Cotterill felt was fully deserved.
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As for the delayed referee signal during the late goal, Cotterill was clear: “I didn’t think there was a foul, so the less said, the better.”
A key highlight was the performance of Ben Stevenson, who played through an adductor strain. Cotterill explained, “Ben’s commitment is outstanding. He’s been critical since I returned, linking play and providing solidity. Even though the injury limits him, he gives everything he can.”
Substitutes like Mo Faal and George Miller made impactful contributions as well, with Miller’s pressure on the goalkeeper helping set up Luke Young’s equalising goal. Cotterill acknowledged the tactical use of a 4-4-2 formation but noted it’s a strategy they’re still refining.
Despite difficulties, the Cheltenham boss refuses to let morale dip: “I won’t let the squad relax. We’re three weeks from the end of the season, and every point counts. Our aim has always been to stay up—and if we do, we’ll have done it playing good, attractive football.”
Cotterill’s message is clear: no complacency, no excuses, just hard work and commitment until the final whistle of the season.