PU PREVIEW 7: CHELTENHAM TOWN

Cheltenham Town FC was founded in 1887 by a local teacher. It spent its first three decades in local football, turning professional in the early 1930s and joining the Birmingham Combination. The club joined the Southern League in 1935 and entered the Football Conference for the second time in 1997, winning promotion to the Football League two years later.

Cheltenham's rise to the Football League coincided with the appointment of Steve Cotterill as manager, who guided the Gloucestershire club to League status and promotion to Division Two before leaving to join Stoke City. The club also won the FA Trophy during his tenure, in 1998. Cotterill went on to manage Pompey. Another manager of the club with Pompey connections was Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen (2008-09).

A remarkable game was played against Burton Albion on 13 March 2010, which Cheltenham eventually won 6-5, having trailed 2-0, 4-2 and 5-3. The three late goals sparked wild celebrations.

The Robins play at the Abbey Business Stadium (better known as Whaddon Road), their home since 1932, and are managed by Gary Johnson. Whaddon Road is their fourth home. They were relegated from League Two at the end of the 2014-15 season, but secured an immediate return by winning the Conference title.

Pompey played Cheltenham for the first time in September 2013, the game at Whaddon Road ending in a 2-2 draw. The meeting at Whaddon Road earlier this season ended 1-1. All five meetings have resulted in draws.

(Information via Wikipedia, ctfc.com and www.11v11.com)