Michael Duff talks up Cheltenham’s two-goal hero Ryan Broom

Posted Sunday, September 15, 2019 by PA

Cheltenham boss Michael Duff saluted match-winner Ryan Broom as he grabbed both goals in an impressive 2-0 victory at Salford.

Broom notched either side of the interval to lift the Robins up to sixth in the League Two table.

Duff said: “Ryan has been good all season, and I’m delighted for him. He’s shown real versatility so far this season, and he’s deserved this.

“He’s played in the number 10 role, at wing-back, he’s been in the middle, he’s given us everything so that’s big credit to him.

“He’s got great energy, and there is always that bit of quality there. He’s an infectious kind of character, and he’s showed that he’s got a real eye for goal.”

Duff was delighted with the overall effort from his side.

He added: “Of course I’m happy with the result, but to be honest I’m more pleased with the performance.

“In the first 10 minutes we were maybe a bit too long and straight, but in the end we’ve put in a good, solid away performance.

“I don’t think Salford really hurt us, but we did need those two moments of real quality.

“As I say I don’t really care too much about the three points, it’s just more about the performance we’ve put in.”

Cheltenham came close when Luke Varney pounced on a mistake before darting down the left flank and forcing Kyle Letheren into a smart save.

The visitors went in front in the 32nd minute.

Varney dragged the ball back from the left perfectly into the path of Broom, who smashed home convincingly from eight yards.

Salford came close to a leveller shortly after the restart when Devante Rodney’s firmly-struck shot was saved low by Scott Flinders.

Cheltenham clinched victory with a second goal eight minutes from time.

Substitute Alex Addai played a neat through-ball to Broom, and he comfortably beat Letheren from close to the penalty spot.

Salford boss Graham Alexander rued the loss of both Richie Towell and Jack Baldwin to injuries in the first half.

Alexander said: “It’s frustrating to be down to just one substitute before half-time. We’ve already lost a number of other players to injury this season.

“This is the hand you get dealt with though, and the subs who did come on didn’t really do well enough.

“Overall we’ve let ourselves down today, though, and everyone connected with the club.

“There weren’t a lot of chances created by either side, it’s just that Cheltenham took theirs.

“It’s been a really disappointing day all round to be honest, it’s been a real down day. We lacked the quality you need to take advantage when you’re on top.”