More Reaction...

Last updated : 08 May 2006 By Editor
Gloucestershire Echo:


The 5-0 win at Field Mill ensured that Cheltenham finished fifth in Coca-Cola League Two and they will take on sixth-placed Wycombe in the play-off semi-finals, with the first leg in Buckinghamshire in five days' time.

Striker Steven Gillespie returned from injury with a goal and on a day of clinical finishing, Ashley Vincent, Grant McCann, David Bird and Kayode Odejayi also found the net.

It was Cheltenham's biggest victory in any league match since November 1996, when they beat Ashford Town 6-0 at Whaddon Road in the Southern League Premier Division.

"It was one of those days when you just say 'wow, that was a little bit special and a little bit different," Ward said.

"It couldn't have gone any better and we have been as clin ical as we have ever been and shared the scoring round, so it was a fantastic effort from everyone.

"I wanted to win and finish with 72 points and I am very pleased to say everything we tried came off."

Ward rested some of his key players and there were five changes to the team that secured a play-off place with a 2-0 win over Notts County a week earlier.

"We made some changes with next week in mind, but that's not to say we disregarded this match and I think we have shown that we have a competitive squad here," Ward said.

"It is improving and if we can keep it together we can get better again.

"We told the boys to enjoy themselves, but at the same time keep next week in mind because hopefully we can have an even better time.

"We have to prepare well and this will give us good heart and a good platform to go into those two games."

Gillespie's return to fitness is another boost to Cheltenham's play-off hopes and the former Liverpool trainee took 34 minutes to get back on the scoresheet.

"I said prior to the game that we'd see how long Steven could go and Ian Weston (physiotherapist) said an hour was long enough," Ward said.

"He could have scored another goal and he looked sharp and he is now in my thoughts. I now have a major problem which team to pick next week."

Ward has Gillespie, Vincent, Odejayi, Steve Guinan and Damian Spencer as his attacking options for the key matches against Wycombe and believes they are all in form at the crucial time.

"Kayode could have done a bit better last week and maybe this goal and this change of mindset will give him a little nudge where required," Ward said.

"He took his goal well and that pleases me just as much as Gillespie's goal as he needed it.

"I thought Steve Guinan led the line exceptionally well today and he looked after young Gillespie at times and I like playing the two together.

"Ashley Vincent has scored two in two and Damian came on and is always a major problem with his hustle and bustle.

" I have now got the major problem as I can only pick two of them next week, but it's not a bad one to have."