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Cheltenham currently 8th in the Division Three table as they look to make a Play-Off berth after narrowly missing out the previous two seasons by two and four points respectively. The Robins are appearing in the Football League for just the third season after a dramatic rise that saw Cheltenham climb from the Southern League Premier Division to Division Three in just three season. Managed by Steve Cotterill Cheltenham have lost only once this season at their Whaddon Road ground a 3-2 early season defeat to Mansfield Town. Cheltenham have enjoyed a good FA Cup run this season as they reached the fifth round for the first time in their history when beat Burnley 2-1 to set up a fifth round tie away to West Bromich Albion in a match which saw them narrowingly lose 1-0 to Division One Baggies. The Robins have a good record at their Whaddon Road Ground this season having lost only once a 3-2 defeat to Mansfield Town early in the season.
Southend United will be making their third league visit to Whaddon Road on Friday where they have yet to taste victory - losing 2-1 on both occasions. Cheltenham's inaugural season in Division Three saw Blues visit in October. Neil Grayson gave Cheltenham a 6th minute lead before Russell Milton doubled The Robins advantage on 66 minutes. Martin Carruthers pulled a goal back for Blues six minutes later but Cheltenham held on for their victory. Last season Blues travelled to Gloucestershire for their last away match of the season. With both sides having nothing to play for an ultra fussy referee refused to allow the game to flow. Once again Neil Grayson was on the scoresheet for Cheltenham giving the home side the lead three minutes after the break. Mark Rawle then scored his first ever goal in a Southend shirt on 54 minutes. Grayson was then sent off for a foul on Damon Searle on 70 minutes but the disadvantage didn't deter the home side as they sealed victory with Grant McCann's winning goal four minutes from time.