CHIPPENHAM crashed out of a second cup competition in four days, despite holding a 1-0 interval lead.

Somerset side Paulton drew level 15 minutes from time and snatched a winner a minute from the end.

Mark Collier must feel it’s one step forward and two back at the moment as Alan Griffin made a welcome return for the last 25 minutes, after having played only 50 minutes this season.

But for the second time this season against Paulton, Bryan Smith had to leave the field with a head injury that necessitated a trip to hospital and Greg Tindle failed to appear for the second half.

As Chippenham were forced into a reshuffle, Paulton, who started with five 17 year olds, introduced their more experienced players from the bench and the pendulum swung their way.

The Bluebirds had the best of the opening half as Tindle headed against the crossbar and Paulton keeper Kyle Phillips pulled off a superb save from a Darren Edwards’ close-range header.

Luke Ballinger should have opened the scoring on 26 minutes when he was put through with only Phillips to beat, but the visiting custodian again saved his side at the expense of a corner.

However, from the resulting James Guthrie flag kick, Mark Preece headed home for his first goal in a Bluebird shirt.

Just past the half hour Mark Edwards saw another effort blocked on the line and he appeared to be impeded in his attempts to reach the loose ball, but Chippenham's penalty claims were waved aside.

Paulton rarely threatened in the opening half although Tyrone Pollard, Scott Wilson and Ollie Knowles all saw efforts go wide of the target.

After the break Wilson shot wide while Pollard's effort was straight at Kent Kauppinen.

At the other end Alex Ferguson was wide of the target whilst Phillips blocked a near post shot from Edwards.

Paulton equalised a quarter of an hour from time when Elliott Gibbons' shot was deflected past Kauppinen.

Substitute Mike Bryant won the game for Paulton a minute from time when he touched in a cross from close range.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Osman, Beeden, Smith (Pawley 26), Tindle (McCready 46), Preece, Ferguson (Griffin 67), Pook, Edwards, Ballinger, Guthrie.

Subs not used: Simpson, McCormack.

Referee: Matthew Rushton – Pewsey.

Attendance: 66.

Yellow cards: Pawley (45, foul); Walker (45, foul); Kauppinen (90, foul) Paice (84, handball)