One of the biggest shocks in F.A. Cup history was almost on and if the game at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium finished just minutes earlier, it would have meant Cheltenham advancing to the 5th round of the competition.
However, a regulation game of football is played over 90 minutes and not 81 and because of this, it is Manchester City, that not only advance to the next stage of the competition but also breathe, what can only be considered a large sigh of relief.
Because, while there were fireworks outside the stadium in the first half – to the point where referee Stuart Atwell had to take both teams off the pitch momentarily, there were very few sparks on the playing field itself.
A first half that can only be construed, as nothing more than light sparring for Pep Guardiola’s men and with them unable to get the better of their lower league counterparts, it allowed Cheltenham to grow into the game.
The League Two outfit had withheld their Premier League opponents for 45 minutes and counting and by the time both teams reappeared for the interval, the evening’s script was then set to see a huge plot twist.
Much had been made of Cheltenham’s Ben Tozer’s ability to launch a long throw-in and although opportunities were rather scarce in the first half, soon City would have to deal with several aerial bombardments.
After a handful of Cheltenham sorties were attempted and suitably dealt with, the 59th minute would see the ultimate smash and grab, as another of Tozer’s touchline missiles would eventually work its way to teammate Alfie May.
With several City players failing to get a substantial touch on the ball, an element of carnage in the area began to ensue and with the 27-year-old May acting the quickest in the box, the unthinkable had just happened.
The unthinkable, that saw the Premier League favourites go behind and now a serious test of their footballing acumen was on show, as they had just half an hour to at least take the game into extra-time.
A scenario, that looked like it was going to unfold, when Phil Foden broke Cheltenham’s hearts by stabbing home a close-range equaliser just nine minutes from time and with the hosts’ resistance suitably broken, now it was a case of hanging on for those additional 30.
Of course, peak physical fitness is always going to be a key element in any competitive fixture, and this is certainly something that the Eithad outfit possessed more of, as they found a further gear late on.
A gear, that then saw a Gabriel Jesus goal swing the balance of power in the visitors’ favour and with just six minutes left on the clock, hopes of a mammoth upset were now edging away with every second that passed.
To the point, where Michael Duff’s men were showing obviously deflation and that coupled with tired legs, allowed Ferran Torres the opportunity to bag a third and wrap up his team’s passage into the next round.
There’s no doubt that Cheltenham were certainly valiant in their efforts and although they would have won plenty of admiration, they will have to do make do with much needed prize money rather than earning the biggest prize itself.
