CHIPPENHAM Town continued their build-up to the new Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division season with a third successive friendly victory last night, beating near neighbours Melksham Town.

A goal in each half was enough to see off last season’s Toolstation League Premier Division champions at Hardenhuish Park.

The Bluebirds made seven changes to the XI that started against Wantage Town on Friday evening whilst Melksham were missing several players through holiday commitments.

Ryan Campbell fired over from the edge of the area in the opening minute, whilst Luke Ballinger's low shot went past a post.

Chippenham opened the scoring on nine minutes from a James Guthrie free-kick, which went through the away defence to Ballinger, who turned the ball home at the far post to notch against his former club.

Melksham goalie Rob Brown then held a shot from Campbell whilst the visitors had two chances before the break to draw level.

Dan Kovacs headed over former Bluebirds player Shaun Benison's free-kick and Lee Rogers hit the woodwork with a cross-cum-shot.

Ballinger had to be replaced by Conor McCormack before the break whilst Chippenham made a further six changes at half-time.

The second period saw the Bluebirds dominate but the plucky visitors, with Brown prominent between the sticks, rebuffed most of their efforts.

Guthrie's shot was well-saved whilst his corner was firmly headed by Mark Preece but blocked on the line by Brown.

Matt Smith then saw his far-post header pushed over the bar.

Alex Ferguson saw his goal-bound effort blocked by a defender before Chippenham doubled their advantage on 79 minutes with a superb opportunist goal from the midfielder, who found the ball at his feet 35 out in a central position and he let fly to find Brown's top left-hand corner.

One final piece of action again saw Brown excel as he tipped a headed effort from Andy Sandell over the bar.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Kent Kauppinen, Luke Ballinger (Conor McCormack 33), Scott Bevan (Matt Jones 46), Iain Harvey (Michael Pook 46), Greg Tindle (Mark Preece 46), Jon Beeden, Ryan Campbell (Alex Ferguson 46), Toby Clarke (Matt Smith 46), Mark Francis (Andy Sandell 46), Lee Phillips, James Guthrie (Ryan Campbell 65).

MELKSHAM TOWN: Rob Brown, Alex Hillier (Sayeed Ibrahim 54), Ian Jeffrey, Ryan Bennett, Lee Fielding (Alex Hillier 77), Leigh Rogers, Shaun Benison (Tom Jones 75), Dave Thompson, Dan Griffiths, Dan Kovacs (Dan Sibley 56), Jack Morris (Will Thomson 54).

Referee: Ben Williamson (Melksham)

Attendance: 109