CHIPPENHAM Town recorded a much-needed win to keep them on the fringes of the Southern Premier Division play-offs.

It was the Bluebirds' first three points in six attempts, and coincided with a welcome return from Alex Ferguson, who had an impressive game in midfield.

A goal in each half saw them overcome their lowly Warwickshire hosts on their 4G pitch to record their first league double of the season.

The match was not without controversy as Chippenham thought they had taken the lead on 26 minutes when the Bedworth defence failed to clear and Andy Sandell hit a low shot past Greenbacks keeper Denham Hinds.

However, the ball thumped into the back frame of the goal and rebounded out to the keeper’s arms.Despite being clearly over the line the referee and his assistant missed the incident and waved play to continue.

A disgruntled Chippenham deservedly took the lead 10 minutes later when Matt Jones crossed for the unmarked Ashan Holgate to head over the Bedworth keeper and into the net.

Sandell might have doubled the lead but his attempted lob was gathered by Hinds. The miss almost proved crucial as Daniel Creaney wasted Bedworth’s best chance of the match as he was denied from close-range by Kent Kauppinen.

At the other end James Guthrie could have made the game safe for Chippenham before substitute Matt Smith did so 10 minutes from time when he slotted home a cross from Scott Bevan.

As the Bluebirds comfortably held on substitute Harry Grant almost hit a third in time added on when his shot from the edge of the area hit a post.