Cheltenham Preview

Back To The Serious Stuff

They say it's a marathon not a sprint. We found that out to our cost last season, but let's hope it's the other way around this time. While the first 6 months of this season have been slightly inconsistent, we are still only 5 points off 2nd place, and have only lost 3 times since the end of September. We have most of our big players back and personally I'm very positive about the remaining 3 months of the season.

There is a very thin line between success and failure, and we have found that our to our cost more than most lately. Go back to the 23rd Dec. We drew 1-1 with Rotherham but barring some incredible misses (not mentioning any names!), we should have buried them; 2 points dropped. Later that month we were 2-0 up with 20 mins left in Huddersfield, somehow lost 3-2 when in complete control of the game; 3 points dropped. Into January, and 2-1 in the last minute at Bradford. Dean Windass cheats and get's a penalty, we draw 2-2; 2 points dropped. Then, 0-0 at home to Forest with their keeper pulling out some great saves; 2 points dropped. In total I'd say we have dropped 9 points since December due to bad luck or dodgy refereeing, which could so easily have gone the other way.

I know a lot of people will say that's just excuses, and it all evens itself out over a season, but I genuinely believe we are not having the rub of the green and haven't been having it for months. You could even throw in the disgraceful officiating at the FA Cup game with Ipswich as well. There's not many games this season where we came away thinking we were lucky to win or get a decision for us. I haven't known a season like it for a long time.

Anyway, back to Saturday's game.

CHELTENHAM TOWN FORM GUIDE

Cheltenham are 21st in League 1, but come into the game on the back of arguably their best result of the season, a 1-0 win away to Bristol City on Wednesday night. Before the match Cheltenham hadn't won in their previous 7 games, but did draw 5 of them, which was certainly a steady improvement on the 12 defeats in 15 games that came before it!

Manager John Ward said afterwards ""It was a great result here and it will have surprised everyone, but we now play Swansea and not many people will give us a chance in that either. But if we can repeat some of this again on Saturday then we give ourselves a chance to beat Swansea as well. Tonight was a big win and it helps us with the belief that we can do it again"

Although facing a serious relegation battle, Cheltenham are certainly improving as the season goes on, and the Swans face a tough fixture. The good news is that the Swans have never lost at Whaddon Road, drawing 2 and winning 3 of the 5 fixtures we have played there.

TEAM NEWS

Ian Craney returns for the Swans after being cup tied against Ipswich, and Kevin Austin is back from suspension, but Tom Williams is out for 2 months after discovering he needs another hernia operation, just 6 weeks after returning from the first one! With the 4-4-2 formation certain to be back on Saturday, Jackett must decide which 2 front men to go with. Personally, I'd love to see Trundle and Abbott get given the chance, but it will probably be Bayo and either Pav or Trunds.

Cheltenham midfielder Scott Brown is out after breaking his leg on Wednesday against Bristol City, and striker Steve Gillespie is suspended.

ONE TO WATCH - PAUL CONNOR

Ex Swan Paul Connor is a likely starter for Cheltenham on Saturday. During his time with us he made 61 appearances, scoring 20 goals, and always ran his heart out for the shirt. He was a favourite with the North Bank and will no doubt get an excellent reception from the 1,800 travelling Jacks on Saturday, just like he did when he played against us for Orient earlier this season. While with Orient he played 22 games and scored 7 goals before making the £25,000 transfer to Cheltenham.

Verdict -

"We need to go on a run", we've been hearing that for a long time, but it really is true now. February is going to be a huge month, a month in which we host Oldham (2nd) and Scunthorpe (1st), as well as a visit to Yeovil (5th). Those are massive games, but so is Cheltenham. Every game from now on needs to be treated like a cup final. We are in a position where we can do something about our current situation, which is beating these sides above us as well as taking care of the teams lower down the table. 3 points is 3 points no matter who the opposition is. I'm going for a 3-1 win for the Swans on Saturday, Trundle getting the first with Abbott grabbing a brace in the 2nd half.

JACKARMY!