Cheltenham Town boss Martin Allen vowed that his side will not throw in the towel in their battle against the drop, despite admitting he was lost for words as his side surrendered yet another lead against Oldham Athletic.

Debutant Frankie Artus scored a fine goal after 31 minutes as the Robins controlled the first half at Whaddon Road last night.

But Joe Royle's Oldham improved in the closing stages and their pressure finally told in the 94th minute as Danny Whitaker bundled home a leveller with the last kick of the match.

"Football is a cruel game which has been hard on us for a while now and sometimes it's hard to know what to say," Allen said.

"Some of things that have happened tonight, I can't get my head around.

"I have no idea how their player (Mark Allott) was not sent off for that tackle on Andy Gallinagh just after half-time, and they should have been down to 10 men.

"But the players are devastated and there were some terrific performances tonight. Michael Townsend was outstanding and Andy Gallinagh was superb.

"Gallers has played a significant role in why we have done so well in recent games, showing great discipline in midfield."

Cheltenham are 11 points from safety with eight games left, but Allen says he will not allow anyone at the club to give up hope as League Two football beckons.

"We haven't given up and I don't want anyone to," Allen said.

"I don't want this season to peter out and we won't go down with a whimper. I want the players to wear the shirt with pride and be competitive and keep it all going. We owe that to ourselves and our supporters."

On-loan Bristol City youngster Artus became the 26th different player to score for Cheltenham this season and Allen confirmed he would like to make the signing permanent in the summer, when his contract at City expires.

"He is a very good player and I have tried to get him before," Allen said.

"Earlier in the season we couldn't afford him, but the price came down on Sunday. He hasn't been playing first-team football, so I knew he'd tire, especially at the tempo we played at, but he was terrific."

Cheltenham travel to Walsall on Saturday, with Shane Duff, David Bird, Lee Ridley, Alan Wright and John Finnigan all doubtful through injury and Josh Low suspended.

Michail Antonio could return, but with Wright and Ridley both struggling, Allen is trying to bring in a left-back before the visit to the Banks's Stadium.