TWO sides short of form and a heavy pitch combined to produce a New Year's Day match of little quality although this was made up by its intensity.

Chippenham took their first three points since early November when Alex Ferguson prodded home after Frome keeper Ed Baldy could only push out Michael Pook’s 21st-minute drive from the edge of the area.

The Bluebirds made the early running with Pook’s free kick seeing Greg Tindle’s headed effort well-saved by Baldy. Ashan Holgate then saw his shot blocked by Matt Smith.

Frome came back into the match and the lively Lewis Haldane robbed Tindle only to shoot wide. The former Bristol Rovers player then fired over the bar from a clearance.

Ferguson’s shot on the turn lacked the power to beat Baldy whilst James Guthrie’s attempted lob after seeing Baldy was off his line went wide.

The second half started with a plethora of substitutes with Chippenham in particular suffering injuries.

With a more defensive look, Chippenham defended deep but Tindle did test Baldy with a headed effort whilst substitute Toby Osman’s shot was too weak.

A long throw from Pook was only cleared to substitute Lee Phillips but his shot cleared the bar. Chippenham thought they had scored a second when Baldy appeared to push a Pook corner over the line but it was not given.

Chippenham: Thompson, Harvey, Beeden, Coupe, Tindle, Preece, Ballinger (Phillips 35), Ferguson (Smith 55), Holgate, Pook, Guthrie (Osman 50).

Subs not used: Edwards, Francis.

Frome: Baldy, Cooper, Mundy, Baggridge, Vallis, Hulbert, Miller (Worlock 46), Smith, Haldane, Thomson (Brown 60), Rodriguwz (Twyford 85).

Subs not used: Bonellla, Pierre.

Referee: Adrian Tranter.

Attendance: 383.

Yellow cards - Chippenham: Ferguson (16) foul; Frome: Vallis (85) foul.