'I enjoyed the style, I enjoyed the way the lads played together' - Paul Cook proud of his players in defeat at Cheltenham
Manager Paul Cook had no complaints with his players in their defeat at Cheltenham, saying: "It is as good as I have watched a Chesterfield team play for a long time.”
The team's six-match unbeaten run ended in a 2-1 defeat despite them bossing affairs for long periods and working home goalkeeper Wyll Stanway regularly.
The Robins were efficient on the counter-attack, taking their chances to lead 2-0 at half time through Charlie McCann and Andreas Weinmann.
Chesterfield had 27 shots to Cheltenham’s seven but had only Louie Marsh’s 49th minute goal – his fifth of the season – to show for all their good approach work.
"I have absolutely no criticism. We had enough chances to win a football game today,” said Cook.
"I enjoyed the style, I enjoyed the way the lads played together. When we got the first goal playing towards our fans I thought it would only be a matter of time before we equalise and possibly go on (to win).
"It wasn’t our day but you live with that and respect to Cheltenham. They’ve had a great start to the season. Steve (Cotterill) is doing a fantastic job but I felt they were second best all over the pitch for sure
"Football is about the result and unfortunately we never got it.”
Lee Bonis rattled the woodwork in the first half and also had a header ruled out despite strong claims the ball had crossed the line.
"We thought Lee Bonis’s header was way over the line,” insisted Cook. “It’s poor from the officials because the linesman is right in line with it. He’s in a perfect position.
“All our anger and disappointment is at what never went for us but performance wise I was ever so pleased.
"Steve must have changed his formation a few times during the game. I thought they couldn’t cope with us. We had enough penalty box entries and our flair players did well.”
The result thwarted Chesterfield’s push for a third straight league win. They sit 11th in the table while Cheltenham are up to second.
"I think for our fans who travelled, they’ve enjoyed seeing a team that’s growing,” added Cook.
"We have had a great few weeks as a club and to go away to a very strong Cheltenham team and control it for such long periods, I am really proud of the players today.”
Chesterfield: Boot; Hutton, McFadzean, Pond, Gordon (Pearce 78); Stirk, McEachran (Dyer 78); Markanday, Marsh (Naylor 87), Randall (Mandeville 78); Bonis (Bryden 70)
Subs not used: Eccleston, Duffy
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Attendance: 4,403