Nationwide League Division Three - 17/2/01 - Whaddon Road
The 2000/01 campaign was a very frustrating one for Cheltenham, but one of the highlights was a fantastic victory over eventual champions Brighton at Whaddon Road. A run of incredibly bad luck had deprived Cheltenham of key men for long periods, with Jamie Victory and John Brough forced to spend virtually the whole season on the sidelines with knee injuries.
There were times when Steve Cotterill was forced to field something close to a reserve side and despite a brave effort from a squad that was stretched to its limits, the play-offs were a step too far in the Robins' second season in the League. On their day however, they proved they were a match for anyone in the division, as high-flying Brighton learned.
The victory was all the more remarkable considering that Cheltenham were reduced to ten men after only 20 minutes. They had already given themselves a 2-1 lead by the time Lee Howells was shown his marching orders. The midfielder had already been cautioned, but was unfortunate to be sent off after Martin Devaney had gone in late on a Brighton defender. The referee gave the card to the wrong player and the decision was later overturned after a look at the video.
Cheltenham had taken the lead after eight minutes through the on-loan Grant McCann, who drove a 35-yard shot into the bottom right corner of Mark Cartwright's goal. Things were to get better for Cheltenham three minutes later when they added another against a shell-shocked Seagulls side.
Hugh McAuley's corner was flicked on by Richard Walker and towering striker Julian Alsop crashed home a header from close range. There was a real cup tie atmosphere inside Whaddon Road, but Brighton pulled a goal back three minutes later in what was a very open game with chances aplenty at both ends. Danny Cullip headed in Paul Watson's free-kick to pull his side back into contention.
Steve Book was on top form to maintain the Robins' lead as the promotion chasing visitors began to show their class and make their extra man tell. Book denied Anthony Philip David Terry Frank Donald Stanley Gerry Gordon Stephen James Oatway, (known to his friends as simply 'Charlie'!), and also made smart stops from Darren Freeman and Watson.
After soaking up all Bobby Zamora and co could throw at them, Cheltenham hit Brighton on the break and with 20 minutes left, one of the most popular goals ever seen at Whaddon Road was scored.
Substitute Bob Bloomer, already a living legend at the club, picked up the ball 35 yards from goal on the right wing. He held it up, before cutting inside onto his supposedly weaker left side. Bloomer, in his farewell season, then unleashed a curling left-foot shot which nestled perfectly inside the far post. He celebrated as if Cheltenham had won the FA Cup and his jubilant lap of honour will live on long in the memory. Book had more work to do before the win was assured, denying the dangerous Zamora, but the agile 'keeper would not be beaten again. The famous win was something to remember from a difficult season for Steve Cotterill's decimated squad.
Cheltenham Town (2) 3 (McCann 8, Alsop 11, Bloomer)
Brighton & HA (1) 1 (Cullip 14)
Cheltenham: Book, Griffin, Walker, Howarth, M. Freeman, McCann, Howells, Yates, Devaney, McAuley, Alsop. Subs used: Bloomer, White.
Brighton: Cartwright, Watson, Mayo, Crosby, Cullip, Wicks, D. Freeman, Oatway, Rogers, Zamora, Carpenter. Subs used: Hart, Brooker, Jones.
Attendance: 4,533