Cheltenham Town held out for a 1-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers thanks to a first half goal from Alfie May at the Completely-Suzuki stadium in League One.
May cut in from the left in the 26th minute and had his shot deflect of midfielder Nick Freeman before looping in over goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
A fourth league goal of the season for May gave his side a much-deserved win on his return from injury after almost two months out following his ankle injury at home to Shrewsbury Town at the beginning of October.
Wycombe threatened throughout, with their best chance falling to Welsh international Sam Voakes late in the game thanks to a cutback from substitute Brandon Hanlan, before a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Charlie Raglan.
Wycombe began the game on top, with David Wheeler having a great shot from the edge of the box flash inches wide after a failed clearance from the Cheltenham defence.
Following May’s goal, both Vokes and Albanian international Anis Mehmeti had first-half chances for their side, Mehmeti’s chance the better of the two after his edge of the box strike was saved brilliantly by goalkeeper Luke Southwood down to his left.
In the second half, Wycombe continued to control possession, however Cheltenham’s back five frustrated the visitors throughout for just their second win in eight games in all competitions.
The Robins had several chances late in the tie to wrap up all three points after The Chairboy’s pilled men forward looking for a late equaliser.
Ryan Broom picked up possession in the Wycombe final third before charging down the goal and shooting down the middle of Stryjek.
Cheltenham manager Wade Elliot would certainly have been feeling the pressure from the fans following their FA Cup upset loss to Alvechurch at the start of the month.
It has been a tough start to the season for the League One side following the departure of manager Michael Duff to Barnsley however this performance certainly showed the heart that remains in the Cheltenham side.
Cheltenham Town move into 18th with this win, and a lovely eight-point cushion clear of the relegation places.
Wycombe move into 12th, with manager Gareth Ainsworth certainly asking for more from his players if they are to stride towards a play-off finish at the end of the campaign.
Magical May back with a bang
Cheltenham’s goalscorer May was ecstatic when speaking after the game on his return.
“It’s good to be back,” said May. “We have had a good week leading up to this game and I am just glad to be back and be among the boys, it’s a good feeling.
"Scoring against Wycombe again, I don’t know what it is, but I just keep scoring against them.”
May’s goal on Saturday was yet another goal against Gareth Ainsworth’s side after scoring four last season in their 5-5 draw in February.
Cheltenham have now picked up eight points in their last four games and look to be working their way back to form after a rocky start to Elliott’s reign as head coach.
“It’s massive,” said May. "It started against Ipswich (1-1) when you see the lads were throwing their bodies on the line to get a point against them, who are probably one of the best teams in the league.
"So, then you go into training with a big week leading up to this game and to walk away with three points, it’s a massive week and credit to the lads, it started last Saturday at Ipswich.”
The Robins spent extended periods of Saturday’s game on the back foot, soaking up the Wycombe pressure, but constantly had an out ball to the strike partnership of May and Southampton loanee Dan Nlundulu.
“You know what Dan gives you for the team,” said May. “His link up play, the way he hustles defenders and that’s probably why we do so well together, it’s nice to have a partnership like that.”
Cheltenham now look ahead to Tuesday’s game away to local rivals Forest Green Rovers in the Papa John's Trophy, and May certainly isn’t playing down the competition.
“It’s another game,” said May. “You don’t play any down. It’s another game, if I’m involved, to get more minutes for myself.
"It’s a massive game against your local derby, it’ll be interesting. We go there wanting a win and to get through to the next round."
High for Cheltenham, Low for Wycombe - the stats
This was Cheltenham’s first win over Wycombe since a 2-1 victory in 2013 where a goal from Jamie Cureton and an own goal from Billy Knott cancelled out Matt McClure’s equaliser at Adams Park, who is now playing for neighbouring town Gloucester City in the National League North.
Cheltenham managed an xG of 1.46 which is their second highest this season since their 2-1 win over Cambridge United in September with 1.58.
Wycombe now only have one win in their last six matches which was last weekend’s 2-0 victory at Forest Green Rovers, winning their last four games previous to that record.
Even though Ainsworth’s side sit 12th in the league, Cheltenham, who sit 18th are only three points behind The Chairboy’s, with a game in hand showing just how tight the table is.
What next?
After Tuesday’s trip to Forest Green Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy, Cheltenham face a ten-day break before their next game, a trip away to Charlton Athletic in the league.
Wycombe face an even longer lay-off, having to wait until December 4th for their next game, a midday home tie against Portsmouth, also in the league.
May takes the plaudits
May marked his return from injury with an expert performance, showing the 4,078 in attendance just what they have been missing in recent weeks.
The 29-year-olds non-stop running and long ball presence kept the Wycombe back line on their toes for the full 90 minutes and will certainly be filling the Robins locals with confidence that their season can really kick start after his return.
Written in the style of BBC Sport
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