Lewis Alessandra returned with a goal as his late winner downed relegation-threatened Cheltenham at Boundary Park.

The 19-year-old shovelled home a loose ball three minutes from time after Town keeper Shane Higgs had saved his initial effort.

The goal -- Alessandra's second senior goal after he also scored in the 3-1 win over Tranmere -- handed Athletic their tenth home League win of the campaign.

He said: "I stabbed it towards goal, and fortunately when the ball came back off the keeper it came straight to me.

"I took a step back and fortunately managed to get it over his head and it went in.

"I'd have been furious if the linesman had given offside because I knew I was definitely onside."

Sheridan turned to Alessandra alongside Deane Smalley up front after he made a comeback as a substitute at Northampton last week.

The start was the striker's first since the win over Bournemouth on March 11 and he came through the test with no adverse effects.

Now the youngster wants to continue the momentum at Crewe before signing off for the summer.

"I'm still not 100%, but the ankle feels good and it is great to be back playing," he explained.

"We held the ball up well in spells today but for me it was a case of tired legs towards the end because I haven't played 90 minutes for over five weeks.

"I think we did okay overall, and Deane [Smalley] had a very good game alongside me.

"I feel like I'm getting sharper and sharper and we'll travel to Crewe next week looking to round off the season with a win.

"Then I want to get a good pre-season under my belt and come back stronger next season."