FA Cup 1st Round - 16/11/96 - London Road
Chris Robinson's Cheltenham travelled to London Road to take on Division Two strugglers Peterborough, managed by Barry Fry.
After a memorable 4-1 victory over Conference side Bath City in the previous round, Southern League Cheltenham were full of confidence and struggling Posh were in the midst of financial turmoil.
Despite the contrasting fortunes on the pitch, there was still a huge gulf between the two teams and Cheltenham expected to be up against it as kick off approached. The Robins were given a boost before the game as influential defender Chris Banks was given the all clear to play after recovering from an injury.
Peterborough included former Cheltenham midfielder Derek Payne in their starting line-up alongside Captain Martin O'Connor who was being watched closely by Birmingham after some impressive performances for Posh.
The home side took control immediately and found plenty of space to stroke the ball around, with Cheltenham content to sit back and soak up pressure with the hope of hitting back on the counter attack.
Cheltenham were given a huge first half let off when Martin O'Connor dragged a penalty kick wide of Kevin Maloy's right hand post. After the miss, Cheltenham noticeably grew in confidence and began to show composure and determination that would become a feature of their game for the remainder of the season.
They battled for every ball and held a good defensive shape to frustrate their full-time opponents. Mark Freeman relished the physical challenge posed by Ken Charlery and Jamie Victory made progress on the left flank as Cheltenham began to find their feet and play some football of their own.
Peterborough looked like a decent side but morale was clearly low and as chances went begging, Cheltenham looked more and more capable of causing an upset.
As the final whistle grew near Victory rose majestically to meet a Lee Howells corner with his head, only to see the ball rebound back off the post.
The game finished goalless and Cheltenham's unique celebrations began. In response to comments made in the local press, the entire team got down on all fours and in the style of sheep made their way into the goal in front of their army of travelling fans.
The replay was shown on 'Sportsnight' and generated some valuable funds for both clubs. A crowd of over 4,000 assembled at Whaddon Road to see Cheltenham once again push Peterborough all the way. Fry's men scored three in extra-time, leaving Jimmy Smith's penalty as scant consolation.
Peterborough United (0) 0
Cheltenham Town (0) 0
Peterborough: Sheffield, Boothroyd, Clark, O'Connor, Heald, Bodley, Willis (Carter 58, Ebdon 89), Payne, Rowe (Grazioli 52), Charlery, Houghton.
Cheltenham: Maloy, Wotton (Bloomer 89), Wring, Banks, Freeman, Victory, Freeman, Howells, Wright, Boyle (Eaton 57), Smith (Chenoweth 90), Clarke.
Referee: M. E. Pierce (Portsmouth)
Attendance: 5,271