Cheltenham Town opened their pre-season campaign with a commanding 6-1 victory over Slimbridge AFC on Saturday. Steve Cotterill’s side, fresh from a 3-0 win over Evesham United last week, showcased their attacking prowess with goals from Charlie McCann, Jack Miller, and Alfie Shipley. The Robins now turn their attention to their next fixture against Crawley Town at home on February 20, 2027, where they’ll face a team currently 19th in the table.
What happened in the match?
Cheltenham Town took control early, with McCann netting twice in the first half. Miller added a third before the break, and Shipley made it 4-0 in the 60th minute. Slimbridge pulled one back through Jack Smith, but Cheltenham’s dominance continued with further goals from Miller and a late strike from Tom Barber. The Robins’ new signings, Wyll Stanway and Shaun McWilliams, also made their debuts, with Stanway providing an assist for Miller’s second goal.
Why it matters for Cheltenham
This pre-season friendly served as a strong test for Cheltenham, who are gearing up for a challenging League Two campaign. The performance of new signings McCann, Stanway, and McWilliams will be encouraging for Cotterill, while the team’s ability to score freely bodes well for the season ahead. The match also provided valuable minutes for fringe players like Barber and Tustin, who came on as substitutes.
What comes next for Cheltenham?
After this convincing win, Cheltenham will now focus on their upcoming home clash against Crawley Town on February 20, 2027. With Crawley currently sitting 19th in the table, the Robins will be looking to build on their pre-season form and secure a positive start to the new season. Cotterill’s side will also continue to fine-tune their tactics and squad ahead of the competitive fixtures.
