Cheltenham Town 1 Huddersfield Town 1

Last updated : 08 May 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Huddersfield Town blew their chance of automatic promotion with a nervous display at mid-table Cheltenham Town.

The Terriers took an early lead but suffered a bout of second-half jitters and a disastrous mistake by young striker Pawel Abbott gifted the home side a goal 15 minutes from time.

It was a fast opening to the game with chances at both ends and Cheltenham could have gone in front early on when visiting goalkeeper Paul Rachubka was forced to drop upon a low drive from Dave Bird.

However, the Terriers were in determined mood and took a 17th minute lead when veteran striker Andy Booth controlled a long ball with a deft touch before rolling a shot beyond Cheltenham player of the year Shane Higgs and inside the far post.

The Robins enjoyed a spell of dominance midway through the second half and could have drawn level when Jamie Victory headed wide from a Grant McCann corner before McCann himself stabbed wide from close range.

News filtered through that Huddersfield's promotion rivals Torquay United were winning 2-1 at Southend so the pressure was on for the second half.

Huddersfield were given even greater incentive when Cheltenham striker Damian Spencer was sent off in the 62nd minute for a second bookable offence.

But the dismissal merely spurred the home side on and both Kayode Odejayi and Shane Duff went close before the equaliser arrived.

Abbott attempted a back-pass to Rachubka but got it all wrong. The goalkeeper's rushed clearance landed at the feet of Odejayi and he laid it to Shane Duff, who was left with an empty net.

Cheltenham could even have won it in the closing stages substitute Bob Taylor dragged a shot wide with the goal gaping and McCann fired over.

Huddersfield were unable to muster any sustained late pressure and must now try their luck in the play-offs.

Devastated Terriers manager Peter Jackson said: "All the players were in tears after the game but there is nothing you can do about mistakes like that.

"We've now got to pick ourselves up and look forward to the play-offs. We'll have to do it the hard way." Cheltenham boss John Ward added: "I feel sorry for Huddersfield but they knew to expect a professional performance from us.

"It was a great effort from our players and we've ended the season on a positive note at least."