A COMBINED moment of quality from veteran frontmen Andy Sandell and Lee Phillips finally ended the resistance of Bradford Town and sent Chippenham Town into the third qualifying round of the FA Cup this afternoon.

Moments after stepping off the bench at Trowbridge Road, former Newport County ace Sandell won a throw-in in an advanced position then, as the Bradford defence was still taking shape, launched a lengthy effort to the edge of the six yard box where Phillips deftly glanced the ball beyond goalkeeper Jamie Bartlett and into the far corner of the net.

That proved enough to settle an enjoyable encounter in favour of the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division leaders despite being given a thorough examination from hosts Bradford, who play two levels lower in the Toolstation League Premier Division.

The home side led twice in a first half littered with quality goals and will probably reflect on the Bluebirds' second equaliser from Mark Preece moments before the half-time whistle as a key turning point in the contest.

To that point, the underdogs had given as good as they got, their front two of Neikell Plummer and skipper Aaron Wilson forcing a uncharacteristicly nervous first period at the back for the visitors.

Chippenham had the first chance of the contest as Matt Smith saw his shot blocked after a Luke Ballinger effort had inadvertently found its way to him on six minutes.

A minute later though Bradford had the lead, courtesy of a beautifully-executed corner routine.

The set-piece was knocked in low to Plummer on the edge of the six-yard box. He instantly laid it back into the path of Wilson who blasted it through defenders and Bluebirds goalkeeper Kent Kauppinen.

Chippenham nearly responded immediately as Oli Taylor's shot was pushed wide by Bartlett but, at the other end, it was almost 2-0 as Ballinger inexplicably passed straight to Plummer who, spotting Kauppinen off his line, lofted a spectacular effort three yards over the bar from 45 metres.

On 13 minutes though the visitors were level, Bradford only half-clearing and allowing Smith to strike a magnificent effort from 35 yards into the top corner.

If that was supposed to settle Chippenham's jitters at the back however, it failed to work as Bradford's Ibrahim Sarr fired a free kick over, then Plummer saw his long-range effort pushed wide by Kauppinen.

Ten minutes before the break they were punished again, falling asleep at a Bradford throw-in as Wilson nutmegged Smith and then curled a sublime shot over Kauppinen from the left edge of the box.

Phillips glanced a header wide for the visitors but just when it looked as if Bradford might head into half time holding the advantage, they cracked.

James Guthrie swung over a corner from the right and Preece piled in at the far post to power a header into the net.

Chippenham started the second half on the front foot, Smith clipping the outside of a post after a bit of pinball on the edge of the Bradford area before Phillips blasted wide from a good position on the hour mark.

Yet despite largely being pushed further and further back Bradford also had a chance, Plummer just failing to find the inside of the far post after Bluebirds defender Greg Tindle's slip had let in Mark Wall for the home side.

Chippenham thought they had taken the lead for the first time on 78 minutes when Guthrie's free kick was met at the far post by Alex Ferguson, whose header was chalked off by the linesman's flag.

Three minutes later though Phillips struck for the winner and also had two further chances, firstly when Sandell got to the byline but hit his cross jst inches too high, then after being played in by Sandell, the ball bobbling horribly as he attempted to fire past Bartlett.

Bradford Town: Jamie Bartlett, Andy Gilbert (Tyson Pollard 85), Rickie Scott, Chris Williams, Tom Evans, Michael Rimmer, Ibrahim Sarr, Mark Wall, Neikell Plummer, Aaron Wilson (captain), Jack Hopper (Sam Jordan (69).

Subs not used: Mark Robinson, Aaron Shanley, Dominic Holver.

Chippenham Town: Kent Kauppinen, Luke Ballinger (Conor McCormack 65), Scott Bevan, Michael Pook (Andy Sandell 80), Greg Tindle (captain), Mark Preece, Alex Ferguson, Matt Smith, Oli Taylor (Ryan Campbell 54), Lee Phillips, James Guthrie.

Subs not used: Matt Jones, Jon Beeden, Iain Harvey, Josh Lay.

Referee: Mark Russell

REACTION TO FOLLOW AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT