Cheltenham climb off foot of League Two table with win over Fleetwood

Two goals in three second-half minutes secured a triumphant Cheltenham return for Steve Cotterill as his side beat Fleetwood 2-0.

Cotterill was unveiled as Michael Flynn’s successor on Tuesday, returning to a club he guided to three promotions between 1997 and 2002.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Isaac Hutchinson took centre stage with the opening goal and then an assist for Josh Martin to double the lead.

Former Cheltenham midfielder Elliot Bonds saw a shot deflected wide for a corner in the 24th minute as Fleetwood looked for an opener against the team who started the day bottom.

But Cheltenham went close when Luke Young’s cross was headed over by Hutchinson six minutes before half-time.

Robins goalkeeper Joe Day then blocked at his near post to deny Toby Mullarkey.

Young’s diving header from George Harmon’s cross was well saved by Jay Lynch early in the second half, but Day had to block with his legs to deny Ched Evans at the other end.

The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute when Ethon Archer fed Hutchinson and the Bristol Rovers loanee found the bottom right corner from the edge of the box.

After good work from Jake Bickerstaff, Hutchinson then played in Martin, who applied a delicate finish past the helpless Lynch in the 69th minute to seal the points.