Cheltenham Town will make the 284-mile round trip to Salford City on Saturday as they look to progress into the FA Cup third round.
The Robins dispatched League One Rotherham United 3-1 in the second one. Now, they will be looking to secure their place in the next round. This time, it will be at the expense of League Two rivals Salford.
Cheltenham's run of form
They will go into the game confidently, having beaten Tranmere Rovers at Whaddon Road last Friday night in their League Two fixture. A victory that was secured thanks to a late strike from Joel Colwill with one minute of normal time to play.
That win gave them their sixth league victory of the season. It was also their sixth win in the last nine in all competitions. The only blemish in that nine-game span has come via a 3-2 defeat to MK Dons, having led 2-0 after 13 minutes.
Michael Flynn’s side are starting to build momentum after a hit-and-miss start to their campaign. With his side sitting one place above Salford in the league, the Welshman will be hoping that his side's current form continues.
As for Karl Robinson's Salford,
Salford's route to round two
a brace from midfielder Matthew Lund saw them send Shrewsbury Town packing in round one with a 2-1 win. While their last league encounter against Bromley on Saturday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in the aftermath of Storm Bert.
Historically, it's a fixture Cheltenham have enjoyed having won three of the four meetings between the two sides. The last away was in 2019 thanks to a double from Ryan Broom. It was also the first meeting between the two sides.
Town's only defeat to Salford did come earlier this season in the league at the Peninsula Stadium in September as they fell to a 2-1 defeat. Two goals from Hakeeb Adelakun cancelled out Ethon Archer’s 48th-minute goal for Town.
Salford’s win that day ensured another decisive result between the two sides. There has not been a draw between them in the last three meetings. That is probably not a bad thing given there are no longer any replays in the competition from the first round onwards.
Salford have failed to keep a clean sheet in all of their last nine, conceding 12 in total. As for the Town, they have three nine and have conceded eight.
Scoring goals during this period has become a regular occurrence for Cheltenham, finding the back of the net 15 times in total. In fact, the Robins have scored in all 12 games since the last time they were held out, losing 2-0 to Fleetwood Town at home.
Salford have been unable to keep clean sheets. Meanwhile, Town have shown their ability to score goals and momentum has started to carry them in the right direction. The Robins should fancy their chances of making it into the third round. Especially if previous results and current form are anything to go by.
Player to watch
Cheltenham: Ethon Archer
Archer has been incredible for the Robins this season. He has consistently shown why many believe he will be the club's next big money sale.
With five goals and four assists in all competitions, he has been Town’s player of the season so far. He leads his team in many categories including goals scored, assists and in xG + aG with 3.0, but his work out of possession is very impressive.
He currently makes the third most successful tackles per 90. Only Lewis Shipley and Ibrahim Bakare, both of whom are defenders, have better statistics. He has made 66 recoveries. He completed 25 tackles and 18 duels. He achieved 12 interceptions and won possession 8 times for his team in the final third. All of which ranks him among the best in his position across League Two.
Archer’s on-the-ball ability is simply mesmerising and his pace is electric. This is complemented by the fact he currently ranks fifth in the league overall for chances created with 25.
Add that he has successfully completed 52.9% of his dribbles and has a shot accuracy of 62%, he really is Town’s danger man, who has the class of a player with an extremely bright future.
As a potential goal threat, creator and difference maker, if Cheltenham are to progress, Archer will no doubt play a key role.
Team news:
The Robins made just one change on Friday as they took on Tranmere. Sam Stubbs replaced Ibrahim Bakare. Arkell Jude-Boyd returned to the bench after being away on international duty with Saint Lucia. It’s possible both could start on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Owen Evans will also be in contention to return to the starting lineup having been on the bench for the last two league ages after injury.
As it stands,
Team news ahead of the tie
club captain Harry Pell and Ryan Haynes are the only long-term absentees. Pell is back on the grass and progressing very well. However, he is not expected to be available anytime soon.
Match Information
Where is the game being played?
Peninsula Stadium, Salford, M7 3PZ
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 15:00 (GMT)
How can I watch?
The game is not being shown live. However, highlights will be on Match of the Day at 18:00 (GMT) on Sunday. There will also be highlights available on The Emirates FA Cup YouTube channel.
