Michael Duff calls on Cheltenham to be more streetwise

Posted Thursday, January 02, 2020 by PA

Cheltenham manager Michael Duff told his team to be more streetwise despite seeing them earn a 1-1 draw at Newport thanks to former Exile Ben Tozer.

Captain Tozer slotted home Chris Hussey’s low cross with just four minutes of normal time to play as he cancelled out an opening strike from Newport’s Tristan Abrahams.

Duff felt a point was the least his team deserved while he also bemoaned giving away a goal from a set-piece at Rodney Parade.

“We were the better team and there was only side going to win the game at the end,” he said.

“The frustrating thing for me is in our last two games we have played against big, physical teams. It was the same against Northampton as it was here.

“We’ve stood up and matched both teams in all aspects so it’s disappointing to concede from a set play again. You can’t give up soft goals like that at places like this.

“It gave Newport a lift and we have to be a little bit cuter and savvier. We are too honest at times and that’s a frustration of mine, but I thought Tozer did well as we asked him to play a different position.”

Cheltenham were much the better side in an awful first half as Tahvon Campbell had two good chances.

But right at the start of the second period it was Newport who took the lead.

The Exiles took a corner short, Josh Sheehan crossed, and Abrahams could not miss from close range.

Duff received a booking from referee Peter Wright after expressing his frustration at the official giving a free-kick when his team were in on goal.

But he was finally given cause for cheer when Hussey crossed from the left and Tozer slammed home to boos from the fans who used to cheer his name.

A draw means Newport are now 10 games without a win in League Two and their last success was on October 19.

“It was a terrible goal for us to give away,” Flynn said. “The majority of the players gave everything, but we are not scoring enough goals and hopefully I can get a striker in this month.

“We are getting close, but we won’t have anyone in for the FA Cup game with Millwall on Saturday. We need to strengthen.”

Newport have been FA Cup giant killers in each of the last two seasons.

On the prospect of facing Millwall next, Flynn added: “It’s going to be horrendous and really tough. They are flying at the moment so hopefully they will rest a few for us.

“Last year we went up to Middlesbrough and drew, beat them at home, and ended up playing Manchester City. How can you not look forward to games like this?”