Quite a long drive this weekend but with the added benefit of meeting my daughter and her boyfriend near the ground for lunch before all going for a first ever trip to the home of League Two’s Cheltenham Town. The day was autumnal but relatively warm, so it was really nice to have chosen a day like today to make the journey west.
Whaddon Road, officially known as the EV Charger Points Stadium for sponsorship reasons, has served as the beloved, compact home of Cheltenham Town F.C. since 1932. Tucked away into a residential area of Gloucestershire, this traditional 7,066-capacity ground captures the essence of old-school English football by seamlessly blending modern all-seated structures with classic standing terraces. Fans traveling to the stadium frequently praise its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere and the excellent, close-up views of the pitch, whether they are standing in the historic Paddock enclosure or seated in the newer Colin Farmer Stand. Located roughly a mile from the vibrant town centre, it remains a vital community hub where the club’s non-league heritage gracefully meets its modern Football League ambitions.
Cheltenham Town F.C. have enjoyed an encouragingly resilient start to the 2026–27 EFL League Two season under the confident leadership of manager Steve Cotterill. Returning to the club with a wealth of experience, Cotterill has instilled a gritty determination into the squad, navigating the opening seven league fixtures with only a single defeat. With hard-fought victories over Rotherham United, York City, and Crawley Town, alongside crucial draws against Barnet, Grimsby Town, and Colchester United, the Robins are building a foundation of consistency. Cotterill’s tactical setup has made the team tough to beat, giving fans plenty of reasons for early-season optimism as they aim to push up the table.
A major catalyst for this strong form has been the sensational goal-scoring exploits of Charlie McCann, who has already found the net six times in the opening stretch of the EFL League Two campaign. McCann’s clinical edge from midfield has provided a massive spark, while veteran forward Andreas Weimann and Jake Evans have offered vital support, chipping in with three goals apiece to keep opposition defences under constant pressure. This multi-pronged attacking threat has ensured that Cheltenham remain an entertaining and potent side in the division as they prepare for their upcoming league fixtures.
Chesterfield FC have mounted a steady and promising opening block to their 2026–27 EFL League Two campaign, under the seasoned management of Paul Cook. Having clearly targeted an 80-point threshold for automatic promotion, Cook has structured a competitive Spireites squad capable of grinding out decisive results both at home and on the road. Navigating their first seven matches with a balanced record of three wins, two draws, and two losses, the squad enters late September high on confidence following a clean 2–0 triumph over York City. Cook’s tactical philosophy has kept Chesterfield firmly embedded in the play-off chasing pack, generating early-season momentum, as they prepare for today’s key trip to Whaddon Road.
At the heart of Chesterfield’s offensive engine, forward Lee Bonis has shouldered the primary goal-scoring responsibilities, spearheading the team’s attack with three goals in the opening phase of the EFL League Two season. Providing sharp reinforcement alongside him, dynamic loanees and attackers Dilan Markanday and Louie Marsh have added crucial depth to the frontline, chipping in with two goals apiece to unbalance opposition defences. This varied attacking core ensures that even during demanding stretches, Cook’s side possesses the tactical versatility and firepower necessary to continuously threaten the top spots in the division
The game opened in front of a decent crowd, of 4403, with the visitors taking the early initiative and throwing a series of quick linked passes together to create early chances.
Against the run of play, in the seventeenth minute, Charlie McCann scored from close range to make it 1-0 to the Robins, igniting what had been a quiet home support.
Cheltenham Town then created more opportunities which meant that it was no surprise when in the 37th minute Andreas Weimann found space on the right hand side of the opposition penalty area, to fire home, making it 2-0. The half time whistle came with the two teams separated by the same score line.
The second half lurched into life when on 49 minutes, Louie Marsh found space before shooting home to make it 2-1, giving the Chesterfield fans hope and prompting a period of 20 minutes where Cheltenham Town rode the storm in terms of soaking up relentless pressure.
Despite creating a range of opportunities, Chesterfield just couldn’t break through the home defence. At the fulltime whistle it was Cheltenham Town who took all three points to go into second place in League Two. Manager Steve Cotterill would have been very pleased with his team’s success against an impressive Chesterfield side.
