Cheltenham Town manager Darrell Clarke has warned his players about their poor discipline record prior to their League One clash with Carlisle United on Saturday.
Discipline has very much let the side down this season and has no doubt cost them quite a few points, which could be crucial come the end of the season.
In total, the Robins have received an astonishing five red cards in just 20 league games this season, as well as a further 44 yellow cards. It’s something which must be improved if Clarke’s side want a realistic shot at survival.
The Robins currently sit at the foot of the League One table and despite improvements in the last couple of months, are still six points from safety. Saturday brings what could be a pivotal match for the outlook of their season as they make the long trip North to face Carlisle United.
Carlisle themselves are also struggling, having not won in the league since late October, and sit just three points ahead of Clarke’s side. It is very much a must-win for both teams Cheltenham could climb up as high as 22nd with a win whereas Carlisle could move out of the relegation zone.
To increase their chances of taking all three points back to Whaddon Road, it is vital that Cheltenham keep all 11 players on the pitch. As easy as that may sound, it is something that they have clearly struggled with all season.
Defender Ben Williams will miss the relegation six-pointer after receiving a red card against Leyton Orient last week, however the Robins do have centre-forward Rob Street back from suspension which is a huge positive for the attack.
The discipline issues were something that Clarke wanted to highlight in his pre-match interview with Gloucester Live.
“We can’t afford to keep going down to 10 men and the players have been fully warned about their discipline.
“We have to get it right because we want to be aggressive and on the front foot in games , but we don’t want to be losing players for silly yellow cards and suspensions.
“It’ll be good to have Rob back available and he’s trained really well. He is a model pro, who gets his head down. He’s a nice lad and someone you want to see do well in the game because he has all the attributes and the attitude to be able to kick on.”
Clarke also insisted just how important Saturday’s game is to both clubs.
“It’s a big game for them and for us. We are going there to try and get on the front foot and win the game. It’s a long journey, but that’s no excuse and we have to be ready for the battle, because it could be a big battle.
“Paul Simpson is a fantastic manager and he’s done an unbelievable job there. They have some players coming back from injury and there is no doubt it’ll be a tough game for us.”
Writer’s View
The game against Carlisle is arguably one of the most important games of the season so far for Cheltenham, and it is equally as important for Carlisle. A draw doesn’t really help either side and it can be expected that both sides will want to be on the offensive early on in the game.
It is just as important that Cheltenham keep all 11 players on the pitch both for their chances on Saturday but also for future matches over the Christmas period. It is well-known just how congested the next week is and Clarke will be wanting to have as many players to choose from as possible.
Senior Editor
