BLUEBIRDS SWOOP THANKS TO YOUNG
STRIKER Jordan Young scored two fine goals in eight second-half minutes to make history for Chippenham Town as they took their place in the Vanarama National South League play-offs for the first time.
Interim manager Gary Horgan was over the moon.
“I’m so proud of these lads, they ran themselves into the ground to get this result,” he said. “In many ways, it was a strange game, we knew we needed to quieten their crowd down, and after a few scares we made a decent start. Jordan could have given us an early lead, but slipped at the vital moment.
“We took the lead when a brilliant pass by Tom Mehew found Youngy and he finished brilliantly. Our fans were great, and we really hope that they are all prepared for a late night at Dartford on Thursday. Tonight, when we get back, we have our presentation night, so I’m sure that will be a great evening.”
The Hawks enjoyed a bumper crowd of 2,290 and needed just a draw against Chippenham. But Young’s strikes made sure it was Chippenham who instead would find themselves in the play-offs.
The Hawks’ best chances fell in the opening 15 minutes, with Manny Duku sending a header wide, followed by Scott Rendell being just unable to get on the end of the Duku header.
Again, Duku headed wide again after Tommy Wright’s delivery on six minutes.
The visitors then looked like taking the lead as Young dispossessed Ben Shroll, cut inside Joe Oastler, then with the goal gaping, his attempted curled effort went just wide of the post.
Chippenham were right back into the game, but again Jake McCarthy won a midfield ball before setting James Roberts clear on the left, but with an open goal he shot wide.
The tension ratcheted up. Ross Worner spilt a shot which Joe Newton was able to hack away at the cost of a corner,
Chippenham grabbed the vital goal to lift them into the playoff places on 69 minutes. A long pass for Young taking his stride and being superbly composed to slot past the on-rushing Worner.
Eight minutes later, the Bluebirds were in dreamland after a penalty appeal waved away by ref Dale Wootton as McCarthy was pushed to the ground in the area. Chippenham broke away and Young was coolness personified as he fired in from an angle.
Hawks manager Paul Doswell told The NLP: “Young was the best player on the pitch. He had real quality. However, I’m annoyed as Jake McCarthy was fouled in the area. How the referee could not give this was beyond me.”