Debutant Isaac Hutchinson makes instant impact as Cheltenham see off Accrington

A moment of inspiration from Isaac Hutchinson just one minute into his Cheltenham debut sealed a 1-0 home victory over Accrington Stanley.

The deadline day loan signing from Bristol Rovers was fouled near the edge of the box after just 20 seconds of the match, and he stepped up to curl in a fine free-kick beyond the dive of Oliver Wright into the top left corner.

Michael Flynn’s Cheltenham were the better side in the first half, but Stanley nearly levelled in the 20th minute when a floated cross from Tyler Walton rebounded off the bar with goalkeeper Joe Day beaten.

Home skipper Scot Bennett saw a shot blocked in the box after Lee Angol’s nod-down as Cheltenham looked for a second and Hutchinson’s effort flew wide after a scramble in the box.

Day dealt with a long-range strike from Liam Coyle just before half-time but Stanley rarely threatened.

Walton headed wide after Isaac Heath’s cross in the 62nd minute as Cheltenham held out for their first clean sheet and three points of the campaign.