Pre-match: Cooper gives Cheltenham lowdown

Head Coach Mark Cooper labelled the similarities between his FGR side and Saturday’s opponents Cheltenham Town ahead of this weekend's Sky Bet League Two clash.

With the first El Glosico match at the innocent New Lawn for over two years, Rovers will be looking to secure a first win at home so far this calendar year – and repeat the success of last week’s trip to Leyton Orient.

The Rovers boss drew comparisons between Michael Duff’s charges and his own squad – who, going into last weekend’s fixtures, had a similar league form to this weekend’s rivals.

“We both seem to dominate games – but often come away frustrated that we haven’t scored the goals we have probably deserved,” said Mark Cooper.

“I think Michael Duff will tell you himself. You can get players into certain areas of the pitch – but as a manager, the only thing you can’t do is put the ball in the net.

“As long as we keep working – and help to get the boys in that position, then you hope that things will come good for us.”

In front of over 5.6 million viewers last weekend, the Robins saw themselves bow out of the Emirates FA Cup in the hands of six-time winners Manchester City.

Alfie May gave home supporters hope with his opener, but goals from Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres secured Pep Guardiola’s side’s place in the fifth round.

“I thought they played brilliantly against City – and it was a great advert for League Two. Full credit to them, because they set their stall out and they were very good.

“It’s a really difficult match-up for them, because do they keep everyone behind the ball or do something different. I thought they pitched it just right.”

Cheltenham head into Saturday’s encounter with just one win in their last eight league matches – with their most recent victory coming against away-specialists Oldham Athletic.

Known for their threats from defender Ben Tozer’s long throws, boss Mark Cooper believes there is so much more to their game, other than goals from set-pieces.

Every team has its strengths – but they also have their weakness. For us, it’s about realising their strengths - and they’re a little different this year.

“They’ve got a better counter-attack in them – and obviously they have the long throw which is a real weapon, and you have to use it.

“I don’t buy into the argument that they’re a set piece team. I think a good team can mix their tactics up and that’s what Cheltenham have the ability to do.

“They’ve got good players, a really flexible way of playing and if we don’t turn up, we’ll get beat, simple as that, and it’s the same for Cheltenham, and Michael will know that.

“We fully respect what they do, they’re good at it and we have to perform otherwise we’ll get beat.”

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