Chips finally get back up and running

DESPITE taking a first-minute lead, Chippenham will be grateful of the point that ended their four-match pointless run against their impressive Essex visitors.

The Bluebirds were given the ideal start on 50 seconds when Andy Sandell found recent signing Jake Jackson and he turned and beat Nathan McDonald from the edge of the area.

Sandell then almost doubled the lead from a dipping free kick that just cleared the bar. From the resulting goal kick the ball was swept downfield where the home defence dithered and Reece Grant took advantage to round Jared Thompson and slide home the equaliser.

The Iron then went on to press the home side back forcing the Bluebirds to rely on breakaways. One such move saw Alex Ferguson cut in from the wing and his 30-yard shot was parried in the air before being caught by McDonald.

The home side had an escape just past the half hour when Thompson left his area to head clear but only succeeded in finding Billy Crook whose attempted lob cleared the empty goal.

Matt Smith had an early second half chance for the Bluebirds when his close range volley went straight at McDonald. After that it was Braintree who looked the more likely to score but they could not pierce a resolute home defence for the second time. The closest they came was when Phil Roberts raced across the area before firing a low shot just wide.

STAR MAN: Jake Jackson (Chippenham) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★