Jake Evans and George Miller goals fire Cheltenham into second round of FA Cup
National League Halifax put in a spirited display before going down 2-0.
Goals from Jake Evans and George Miller took Cheltenham Town through to the second round at the expense of spirited Halifax.
Leicester City loanee Evans struck in the 16th minute for his first of the season in all competitions.
And substitute Miller wrapped up victory when he headed the second three minutes into added time as Steve Cotterill’s League Two outfit avoided an upset against their National League opponents.
Kirsten Otchere was denied an opener for Cheltenham by True Grant’s alert goalkeeping in the third minute.
Otchere then rolled a shot just wide in the 11th minute after holding off a challenge just inside the penalty area.
The deadlock was broken when James Wilson found Otchere on the left and his low ball was stroked in confidently by fellow Foxes loan prospect Evans.
Conor Carty’s shot flashed past the left post for Halifax, while Grant had to push away another Otchere effort.
Grant smothered well at Otchere’s feet just before half-time to keep it at 1-0.
Carty had the ball in the net for Halifax in the 63rd minute but the offside flag was raised.
Cheltenham’s safe passage was finally ensured when Charlie McCann’s corner was headed in by Miller.