Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill starts search for a Hakeeb Adelakun replacement

Steve Cotterill praised Hakeeb Adelakun’s impact at Cheltenham after he signed off with the opening goal in a 3-0 home win over Crawley

Adelakun made it three goals in his last five appearances as he played in the final game of his short-term deal.

His 62nd-minute opener was added to by Jordan Thomas and Robbie Cundy as the Robins returned to winning ways in League Two.

“I said when Haks came here that he might end up having a short period of time with us, get us a few goals and a few points and he’s done it,” Cheltenham boss Cotterill said.

“We had to manage his return to full fitness, but he’s contributed well over two months and not got injured.

“We now have to keep the football club moving forward and go and work a little bit harder to try and find somebody else.

“I’ve just thanked all the boys for their efforts because it’s been a really tough 10-day period so it was a great result for us.”

Crawley created the best chance of a dull first half, with home goalkeeper Joe Day blocking well with his legs to deny Taylor Richards in the 32nd minute.

Cheltenham changed shape at half-time and it brought about an immediate improvement.

Adelakun was sent on in the 56th minute and he was celebrating his third Cheltenham goal six minutes later.

Thomas added a second in the 69th minute after Isaac Hutchinson’s effort was blocked and Cundy headed in from a Luke Young corner seven minutes later to wrap up the three points.

Crawley remain without a win since November and sit just two points above the relegation zone.

And manager Scott Lindsey was embarrassed by his side’s second-half performance.

“First half we were in the game, but we didn’t create loads,” he said.

“We were brilliant at half-time, with the players shouting loud and beating their chest. They couldn’t wait to get out for the second half.

“Then they perform like that, which was an absolute embarrassment. The players have to take responsibility.

“As much as it lands on my shoulders and I am more than capable of taking it, I don’t know what more I can do.

“The players are not doing enough for this badge and this football club, so we have to do a lot of work in this transfer window because I am not putting up with it.”