In a season that has been constantly affected by Covid-19, Cheltenham Town sit in first place in League Two with a chance to extend their lead against Barrow.
As injuries have started to affect the Robins’ squad, Lewis Freestone has come into the first team fold as Cheltenham chase promotion.
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Robin's defender Lewis Freestone discusses his first team football opportunities, ahead of tonight's @CTFCofficial game against Barrow. pic.twitter.com/wndW7H6DOt
Freestone looks set to feature in the Robins’ home tie against Barrow on Tuesday, and the 21-year-old ensured that the squad has learnt from the sides 3-0 loss to the Bluebirds in their last meeting.
“I think we can look back at that Barrow result and use it as motivation.
“We’re all human, and sometimes you’re just not on it and things like that happen. The main thing is, as a group we have to brush games like that aside and move onto the next game,” said the young defender.
Freestone has impressed for the Robins, keeping two clean sheets in his last two starts. The games have been coming thick and fast for Cheltenham, but the 21-year-old has emphasised the importance of team spirit at this time.
“It’s a crazy season, some of the lads have played loads of games on Saturday and Tuesday every week which is a little bit unheard of.
“That’s a big thing about this group of lads, we stick together,” said Freestone.
The young defender joined Cheltenham from Brighton and Hove Albion, but didn’t feature in many games in the first half of the season.
“The mood has been good all season, whether you are playing or not playing because all the lads understand that’s it’s one big team effort.
“You still have to do things right every day, but for me it’s been tough because I haven’t been in the team as much as I would have liked.
“I still come in every day and do things right and be a part of the group. It’s a group effort and everyone needs to be involved, especially at times like this where people are getting injured after a long season,” said the 21-year-old.
Injuries to Charlie Raglan and Will Boyle have presented Freestone with first team opportunities in the last few months and the young defender is keen to prove himself in their absence.
“It is nice to come in and help out because players are getting injured. Being young, it’s nice for me to come in and get that game time, and hopefully I can play more in the future.
“Obviously, it isn’t nice to see your teammates injured, but it gives me a chance to come into the team and help the team out and contribute to winning games. For myself it’s great to play and get the experience and game time that I need,” said Freestone.
