MATCH REPORT | Chippenham Town (H)

Written by Will Beesley

The first 20 minutes of the game was quite slow, as both teams were still trying to find their rhythm, with a couple of half chances being created but overall the game was lacking in quality. However, this was all about to change in the 25th minute when Caine Bradbury of Chippenham struck a free kick from 25 yards out, past Michael Johnson and into the back of the Tudor net. 

As Hemel were in search of an equaliser, the ball was recovered in the Chippenham half, and Isiah Noel-Williams was in on goal after the ball was played through to him and he made no mistake, burying his chance.

However there was still another twist in the tale just before the interval, as a low cross came in from Caine Bradbury, which was played into the feet of Harry Parsons who fired the ball past Michael Johnson to regain Chippenham the lead.

Half time score: 1-2

Hemel had plenty of work to do going into this second half, and they were hoping for a moment of magic. Low and behold they got exactly what they wished for from Welsh wizard George Williams, as he cut inside past the defender and curled the ball with excellent precision into Will Henry’s bottom right hand corner. Game on!

Just after the hour mark Hemel were pressuring Chippenham, and they were nearly rewarded when a looping effort from Mauro Vilhete bounced off the crossbar, as Caine Bradbury was quick enough to react and clear the danger.

Goalscorer Jake Gray celebrates after his goal - Photo Credit: Jemma Sear

Going into the last 10 minutes of normal time, Chippenham had a golden opportunity to regain their lead for a third time as Billy Phillips broke away down to the byline and cut the ball back to Harry Parsons, who could only poke the ball wide of the Tudor goal.

There were 6 minutes of additional time and in the 93rd minute Chippenham hearts were broken, as a scuffed Dylan Stitt chance fell kindly into the path of Jake Gray who tapped the ball home and wheeled away in celebration, to send the Tudor faithful into raptures.

These vital three points sees Hemel rise up to sixth place in the National League South, as they are truly making a statement to the other teams around them in the playoff hunt.

As for Chippenham Town, this damaging defeat sees them stay in 22nd place, five points adrift of safety as well as two more games played than 20th placed Farnborough.