Allen succeeded Keith Downing as Cheltenham manager

New Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen was delighted with his side's spirit after they beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 in his first game in charge.

Barry Hayles scored twice to put the Robins in charge, but Allen told BBC Radio Gloucestershire his players coped well after Rickie Lambert replied.

He said: "All the players acquitted themselves well and stuck together.

"They put their bodies on the line, defended valiantly and held out for the win," he added.

"And it was, it must be said, two very good goals by Barry Hayles."

Allen was impressed with the way the Whaddon Road crowd got behind his side as the clock ticked down towards full time.

And he admitted he thoroughly enjoyed his first 90 minutes at the Cheltenham helm.

"It was a lovely occasion, a lovely evening, the pitch was beautiful, the crowd were passionate," he said.

"They got behind all the players and gave them real backing, especially in the second half when it was backs to the wall at 2-1."