Barry Hayles struck a first-half double to hand new Cheltenham boss Martin Allen a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers.

Hayles double hands Robins second league win

Barry Hayles struck a first-half double to hand new Cheltenham boss Martin Allen a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers. But it needed a solid defensive display to withstand late pressure and hand the Robins only their second league victory of the season. Hayles bagged the opener after 19 minutes, placing his shot beyond keeper Steve Phillips after a neat through ball from Alex Russell. Russell was again the creator as Hayles doubled Cheltenham's advantage on the half hour with another splendid finish. Rovers applied pressure late in the half with Jo Kuffour having a header cleared off the line. The second period saw the visitors dominate the chances and they reduced the deficit five minutes after the restart through Rickie Lambert, but a triple substitution saw the Robins boss string five across the back and this kept the visitors at bay.