An unwanted record set by Coventry City more than a century ago remains unbroken after an extraordinary run finally came to an end.
Cheltenham Town equalled the longest goal drought in English Football League history after going 11 matches without scoring. That grim milestone was originally set by the Sky Blues way back in the 1919-20 season, while Hartlepool matched the unfortunate feat in 1992-93.
The record would have been broken by Cheltenham if Derby County had kept them at bay in Saturday’s League One fixture at Whaddon Road. But Rob Street found the net to give the struggling Robins an unexpected lead against the Rams in the 39th minute.
Street converted Will Goodwin’s low ball into the middle to celebrate his first goal for the club. Derby responded with Curtis Nelson equalising in first-half stoppage time as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
New Cheltenham manager Darrell Clarke was relieved to see his team end their remarkable goal drought. Clarke collapsed to the ground in theatrical disbelief in the technical area when Street struck.
“It’s a massive monkey off our back getting that goal,” he said. “It gives everyone a lift, against an experienced Derby team.
“The lads have given me everything, they really have. It was backs against the wall for spells, but we’ve had our spells as well.
