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Cheltenham Town 2 Darlington 1

Last updated : 21 October 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Managerless Cheltenham Town ended their recent slump with a 2-1 victory over Darlington before the lowest crowd of the season at Whaddon Road.

The Robins needed a late goal from Martin Devaney to win the match and ease their worries, although the result left Darlington looking anxiously over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

Cheltenham made most of the running in the first half and went close to an early goal when Grant McCann sent a free kick just over the crossbar.

There were further close calls in the penalty area before the breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute, defender Jamie Victory arriving late to head past the goalkeeper from a Devaney corner.

Cheltenham should have gone further ahead after that, Michael Duff heading just over the bar and veteran striker Bob Taylor hitting a shot straight at Michael Price.

McCann then had another shot from a free kick cleared off the line but the equaliser arrived three minutes before the break from Darlington’s first shot of the game.

Danny Mellanby laid the ball out to Neil Wainwright on the right and his inviting cross was tucked away by on-loan midfielder Alan Morgan.

Cheltenham defender David Bird needed to make an important tackle to deny Mellanby but at the other end McCann almost restored the home team’s lead when his long shot was pushed aside by Price.

Darlington enjoyed a good spell at the start of the second half but were unable to find a way through to goal, the closest they came was a shot from Morgan that goalkeeper Shane Higgs stretched to push aside.

The game appeared destined for a draw until the 90th minute when a long ball from Victory was helped into the path of Devaney by Mark Yates. Devaney sprinted away and smashed a shot beyond Price from the edge of the area to settle the nerves of the home fans.

“We started well then had to work hard after they got the equaliser,” said Cheltenham caretaker manager Bob Bloomer.

“I was a bit concerned about some of the defending at times but we kept going and got our just desserts in the end.” Darlington boss Mick Tait said: “I can’t believe we’ve lost and it’s not as if we have played badly. I was pleased with the effort and discipline and we created chances, but we have to start winning soon.”