The Robins’ relegation from Sky Bet League One was confirmed this afternoon after a 2-1 defeat to Stevenage at The Lamex Stadium.

A hard-fought encounter from the Robins saw a first half penalty converted by Kane Hemmings just before half-time giving Boro the lead.

Matty Taylor’s header 53 minutes in brought things back level until a 90^th minute finish from Nick Freeman confirmed defeat and relegation from the third tier.

Cheltenham were quick out the blocks with some early pressure from Taylor which left Craig MacGillivray to tip over an early effort, forcing a corner.

The Robins continued that pressure as captain Sean Long saw a half-volley float over the bar.

Boro responded well, a double save from Luke Southwood denied Elliott List and again from Nesta Guinness-Walker on the follow up.

With 25 minutes gone, Southwood landed awkwardly on his ankle after an attempted claim at a cross. An injury that saw him unable to continue and replaced by Jamie Pardington for his debut for the club

The chances of safety took a blow just before half-time, as Elliot Bonds kicked through List in the box and referee Lee Swabey didn’t hesitate and pointed to the spot.

Kane Hemmings dispatched the spotkick to put the hosts in front on the 45^th minute mark.

With the second half underway, Joe Nuttall came close through a deep deflected cross which almost lobbed MacGillivray and found the top right corner.

An away end of just over 1200 erupted 53 minutes in, as a corner whipped in by Will Ferry found Taylor to nod home at the front post for his seventh goal of the season.

Stevenage almost responded instantly after an error from Curtis Davies put through Hemmings, but debutant Pardington stopped him brilliantly with a superb save.

With 65 minutes gone a fantastic deep ball in from Ferry found Taylor whose eyes lit up but he couldn’t generate enough power on the header.

Substitution James Olayinka was set through on goal 74 minutes, however MacGillivray was there to deny him again and deny  huge opportunity for Town.

Soon after, the following corner found Bradbury who had a deep header cleared off the line by Kane Smith.

Heartbreak hit in the 90^th minute, as Freeman’s late strike from just inside the area condemned the club to defeat and subsequent relegation.

STEVENAGE (3-4-1-2): MacGillivray; Sweeney, Vancooten, Piergianni; Smith, B.Thompson, L.Thompson, Guinness-Walker; Roberts; Hemmings (Pressley 68) , List (Freeman 54). Subs not used: Mitchell (GK), James-Wildin, N.Thompson, White, H.Smith.

CHELTENHAM TOWN (3-5-2): Southwood (Pardington 25); Long (c), Davies, Freestone; Kinsella (Thomas 46), Pett, Bonds (Olayinka 68), Sercombe, Ferry (Shepard 82); Taylor, Nuttall (Keena 68). Subs not used: Williams, Harrop.

Referee: Lee Swabey

Attendance: 5441 (1207 Robins)