Michael Duff asks for better performance despite Cheltenham walkover

Posted Wednesday, January 02, 2019 by PA

Cheltenham manager Michael Duff was not entirely satisfied with his side’s performance as they eased past Yeovil 4-1 in Sky Bet League Two.

Luke Varney’s 24th-minute strike and a Conor Thomas penalty 10 minutes later gave the Robins a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Tom James pulled a goal back for Yeovil two minutes after the break, but late goals from Jordon Forster and Kevin Dawson completed the rout at Huish Park.

“It could have been better,” said Duff. “I’m delighted with the end result but the two 15 minutes at the start of both halves – we need to start better than that.

“We scored two goals but I wasn’t particularly pleased at half-time even though we were 2-0 up.

“They started well and we were too slow. It was backwards, sideways, no penetration so we needed to speed it up and when we did we shifted it all over the place and they couldn’t get near us at times.

“The good thing and the mentality of the group now is that they can dig in and fight a bit.

“There was spirit and doggedness to stay in the game and we started passing the ball again. I don’t know how many passes there were for the fourth goal but it epitomised our style of play.

“Hopefully onwards and upwards. We’ve not suddenly become a great team. It’s trying to drive it forward and get better and better in longer periods.”

There were calls for Darren Way to step down as Yeovil boss at full-time from a large section of the crowd, but he says he’s not going anywhere.

Way was also unhappy with the decisions from referee Trevor Kettle to book Francois Zoko for diving in the box and then to award Cheltenham a spot-kick at the other end.

“There’s a bit of a toxic environment when we lose games,” the 39-year-old said.

“I still think the players are giving everything and we’re not getting the luck.

“The referee’s decisions today were terrible. When there’s been a critical decision it goes against us.

“We’ve hit the post twice but I’ve said to the younger players that they’re going to learn from this and grow.

“Coming up against a Cheltenham team who have got four or five players I tried to sign is difficult. It’s very difficult managing Yeovil.

“I understand when we lose games that I have got to take criticism.

“When you’re down there it’s very difficult and we need to make sure – for the sake of the football club – we need to get behind the team.

“When a club is down there it’s not easy to turn it around but I will remain strong and make sure the club has got the tools to stay in the football league.

“The club is important to me and I will do everything I can.”