Chippenham 2, King's Lynn 2

Martin Davis

Southern League Premier Division: Chippenham Town 2, King's Lynn 2

For their vital Southern League Premier Division visit to Harden Huish Lane to take on close challengers Chippenham Town the Linnets were seeking their third consecutive victory over the Bluebirds having completed a league double last season and winning the home encounter this year 2-0 before a 1,087 crowd in the current campaign.

The team news, manager Keith Webb's efforts to bring in a defender as cover for the injured Mark Warren came to nought as the player changed his mind at the last moment and declined to join the club. Warren is likely to be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a cartilage injury. Charlie Defty stands by to deputise with Daniel Buhlemann added to the squad. Otherwise Webb has his full strength available apart from Stephen Melton who is expected to have a try out with the Reserves for whom Shaun Carey also continues his comeback. Mark Heath-Preston will also play against Woodbridge having turned down a midweek loan move to Stamford. In effect Keith Webb made just the one enforced change from last week this at centre half with as predicted Charlie Defty taking over from Warren and Daniel Buhlemann replacing Defty on the bench in what was an otherwise unchanged line up from the team that defeated Banbury last week.

Conditions were perfect for football on a sunny but crisp afternoon at Hardenhuish Park with the Linnets winning the toss and electing to kick up the slope in the first half.

Lynn won an early corner after indecision in the Chippenham defence. Francis took the kick with Frew putting the ball well over the bar.

Holly with a free kick for Chippenham awarded against Charlie Defty saw brother Jack head the ball away for a corner and when the ball was played in by Holly it was again Jack Defty who relieved the pressure.

A third free kick for Chippenham was yet again cleared by Defty.

Allison played a one-two with Holly who delivered a good cross which was eventually cleared by the Lynn defence. When Adams fouled Jack Defty Frew touched the ball for Crane to try one of his blockbusters but the ball was blocked with Chippenham breaking clear only for Charlie Defty to make a timely interception to avert danger.

Crane then made a great tackle at the expense of a corner to deny the dangerous Pratt. Francis made a good break for Lynn from defence and crossed to Jack Defty who was well tackled before he could shoot. At this stage of the game it was the home side who were making most of the running and they duly took the lead after 18 minutes when a high ball caused consternation in the Lynn defence the ball breaking to Dave Pratt who netted with a fierce shot to give Chippenham a deserved lead.

For Lynn Frew picked up a through ball and tested Snoddy but the home keeper held the ball well.

As the midfield battle warmed up Mark Camm had to receive treatment after taking a knock. Gullick beat West on the Chippenham left flank and crossed for Lye to shoot but Howie went down to save as Gullick closed in.

For Lynn a free kick taken by Francis was well caught under pressure by keeper Snoddy.

For Chippenham Seavill played through by Holly took the shot early allowing Howie to make a comfortable save. With Lynn on the attack play was brought to a halt in the Chippenham area with Lye going down apparently injured.

The spell of Lynn pressure was relieved by a free kick decision in favour of the home side when Jack Defty attempted to weave through the defence he was crowded out by several home defenders.

Lynn levelled on the stroke of half time when Sedgemore found Bloomfield who turned the ball in to Jack Defty to net from close range somewhat against the run of play after the Chippenham defence had failed to clear their lines.

It was the first time goal keeper Snoddy had conceded a goal in six matches.

t Half time Chippenham Town 1 King's Lynn 1.

After Mark Camm had been off the field injured heavy Chippenham pressure was rewarded in the 48th minute with a close range goal from Pratt after good work in the goalmouth from centre forward Gullick. For Lynn Charlie Defty headed off the line after a deep cross to the back post from Allison had been headed for goal by Gullick.

Frew forced a corner when he broke for Lynn and then followed with another before the ball was cleared. A good run on the right from Gullick forced a corner for Chippenham but Howie made a good catch from the flag kick.

Charlie Defty then made a good tackle to stop a promising home attack. On the hour Lynn made their customary substitution with Nolan replacing Bloomfield. When Frew tried to burst through the middle for Lynn he was stopped by a good tackle from McEntegart. Jack Defty found Nolan who powered a shot just over the Chippenham bar.

Another Lynn attack saw Sedgemore picking up a loose ball to shot from 20 yards for Snoddy to make a good save. Lynn levelled on 70 minutes when a handball by Price, for which he was cautioned, resulted in a penalty kick which FRANCIS beat goalkeeper Snoddy with a shot to the keeper's right hand.

West was forced to concede a corner after Sevill chased a good through ball but again the flag kick was cleared. On 75 minutes Lynn had to replace the injured Michael Frew with John Turner and then Jack Defty was cautioned after a foul on Halliday. Chapman made a promising run and got in a good cross on the Lynn left wing, the ball was reached by Defty but he was unable to direct his header on goal.

Vehement appeals for a penalty by the home side were waved away as only a corner was given, Holly being cautioned for decent after disputing the decision. When eventually the ball came out from the corner Lye shot well wide from 25 yards. Lynn made their final substitution on 87 minutes with Fisk replacing Chapman.

In stoppage time after an altercation involving numerous players Chippenham goal scorer Pratt was dismissed by referee Collins, the incident also seeing Crane going into the referee's note book.

t Final score: Chippenham Town 2, King's Lynn 2.

t King's Lynn: Howie, West, Chapman, C Defty, Crane, Camm, Frew, Sedgemore, J Defty, Bloomfield, Francis.

Subs: Turner, Nolan, Fisk, Buhlemann, Murray.

t Chippenham: Snoddy, Adams, Halliday, Price, McEntegart, Allison, Lye, Holly, Gullick, Sevill, Pratt.

Subs: Harvey, Badman, Metitiri, Paul, Kemp.

t Referee: Mr L Collins, Aldershot.

t Attendance: 687.