CHIPPENHAM played the role of Santa as a poor first-half performance presented their Cambridgeshire visitors with all three points.

After the break, the Bluebirds were on the wrong end of three decisions by referee Mark Russell.

Alan Griffin appeared to be inside the area when he was fouled but only earned a free kick on the edge of the area.

Jon Beeden tangled with substitute Nathan Frater in an off-the-ball incident which saw the Chippenham man floored from a headbutt, yet both received a yellow card.

Moments later Drew Roberts ran through from an off side position and his first contact with the ball saw him blocked by an onrushing Kent Kauppinen and the Chippenham keeper was shown a straight red card.

With former Swindon Town youngster Ashan Holgate making his Bluebird debut, Chippenham presented the Cambridgeshire side with a succession of needless free kicks in the opening minutes and when David Hutton was fouled on the edge of the area as Greg Tindle was slow to clear Roberts converted the ensuing 13th-minute penalty.

Paul Bostock in the St Neots goal was rarely tested, making a routine save from Alan Griffin whilst after the break Tindle shot against the side netting.

After Chippenham had been reduced to ten men, Lee Phillips came off the substitutes’ bench to don the gloves and did well to stop Matthew Spring and Frater from adding to the scoreline.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Harvey, Beeden, Smith, Tindle, Preece, Ferguson (Osman 58), Francis (Phillips 76), Griffin (Edwards 70), Pook, Holgate.

Sub not used: Clarke.

Referee: Mark Russell – Portishead.

Attendance: 285