Cheltenham Town cause early cup upset with an impressive win over League One side Rotherham United in the FA Cup
Cheltenham Town shocked League One’s Rotherham United as they ran out 3-1 winners at the ASSEAL New York Stadium in the First Round of the FA Cup, writes Abi Harding.
A brace from Joel Colwill and a goal from Ethon Archer cancelled out Malik Wilks’s then-equaliser as Cheltenham extended their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.
Michael Flynn’s side are now in the hat for the second round for the first time in two seasons.
Joel Colwill opened the scoring when the Welshman’s deflected effort spun into the back of the net following a clever set-piece routine for the visitors.
However, it took less than a minute for the Millers to equalise, Wilks slotting home straight from kick-off.
Colwill put the Robins back in front and got his second of the afternoon just before halftime, his header looping over a helpless Cameron Dawson in goal.
Despite the hosts starting the second half the better side, Archer put Cheltenham in a comfortable position with half an hour left on the clock, a fabulous solo effort slotted into the bottom right corner.
Steve Evans side didn’t trouble the Cheltenham backline until it was too little too late, striker Jordan Hugill missing his fair share of chances, Joe Day equal to all of them, before a mele in the box almost lead to a Rotherham second in injury time.
The League Two side ultimately came out on top, securing their place in the second-round draw with a 3-1 victory after 90 minutes.
The Robins pocket £45,000 from this win, and this could increase depending on the opponent in the next round.
Cheltenham host Reading in a midweek clash in the Bristol Street Motors trophy next, whilst Rotherham make the short trip to Barnsley as they return to League One action on Friday.
Rotherham United: Dawson, Rafferty, Humphreys, Jules, Bramall, Odoffin, Tiehi, Powell, Holmes, Hugill, Wilks
Subs: Phillips, Duncan, James, Raggett, Kelly, MacDonald, Hatton, Nombe, Hungbo
Cheltenham Town: Day, Bradbury, Bennett, Stubbs, Payne, Young, Kinsella, Archer, Colwill, Thomas, Miller
Subs: Diallo, Jude-Boyd, Bakare, Sohna, Pett, Norkett, Bowman, Dulson, Taylor
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match: Joel Colwill and Ethon Archer (Cheltenham Town)
READ MORE: Check out the list of results in and around Gloucestershire from Saturday right here
Cover photo taken and provided by Nizaam Jones and Cheltenham Town FC
