BLUEBIRDS ARE STOPPED IN FLIGHT BY THE BRAKES
BOTH managers were happy to settle for a point as promotionchasing Leamington and Chippenham served up a great advert for Southern League football.
The Bluebirds had taken a first-half lead somewhat against the run of play, but Leamington were much improved from their disappointing Christmas results and refused to let their heads drop, carving out a deserved leveller early in the second half.
Callum Gittings and Joe Magunda saw shots blocked before an intelligent ball from Richard Taundry played Richard Gregory into space, only for Rhys Baggridge to intercept before the ball had left his boot.
Taundry was forced to clear away from the Leamington goal line while Ahmed Obeng’s shot lacked purchase from a good position. But Chippenham broke quickly and a leftwing cross was played back into the penalty area for David Pratt to sweep home from close range.
The hosts were putting together some neat passing football and Courtney Baker-Richardson powered in a header right on halftime that saw Darren Chitty produce an excellent reaction save to preserve his side’s lead.
Baker-Richardson was well placed to nod home a 56th-minute equaliser however, following excellent work from Connor Gudger to dig a cross out from the touchline after Chitty could only parry Jack Edwards’ fierce drive from outside the box. It was no more than Leamington deserved but while both sides continued to defend well they could only create half chances, although Tony Breeden was forced to dive at the feet of Pratt seconds before the final whistle.
Chippenham boss Mark Collier said: “It was a tough game, two good sides having a go at other other. We came to try and hit them on the break and we got the goal so we were chuffed about that, but we always knew that they would get another chance.
“It’s a valuable point. Certainly neither side deserved to lose the game.”
Opposite number Paul Holleran said: “Our firsthalf performance was probably the freshest we’ve looked for maybe six weeks.
“There were signs of our early-season form where we really popped the ball about. If it wasn’t for some very good goalkeeping and poor finishing we’d have been ahead at half-time, but Chippenham are a very resilient team and these are always good games.”