CHIPPENHAM Town will head into the turn of the year second in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division after sharing the spoils with third-placed Hungerford Town on Boxing Day.

Matches between these two sides are rarely without incident or controversy and so it proved again as Chippenham's largest league crowd of the season so far was treated to two controversial incidents, both surrounding the home team.

After Chippenham's Luke Ballinger and Hungerford's Nat Jarvis had failed to test the respective keepers in a subdued opening 20 minutes, Mark Collier’s side took the lead.

The first corner of the game fell to the Bluebirds on 23 minutes and Chris Allen's flag kick was met with a low shot from Alan Griffin.

Paul Strudley saved the effort but assistant referee Adrian Matthews indicated that the ball had crossed the line.

There then ensued a two-minute delay whilst referee Marvyn Amphlett consulted Matthews amidst vehement protests from the Crusaders.

When the goal was eventually awarded, Strudley again left his line to confront the referee and earned himself a booking.

There was very little action for the remainder of the half, with Griffin and Matt Smith both failing to hit the target.

However, after a quarter of an hour, the floodlights on one side of the ground tripped out and although the game continued, the match looked increasingly in doubt until home officials fixed the problem at half-time.

After the break, chances were again at a premium, although Smith twice produced inviting crosses that were just begging to be tucked away but no home player was able to get on the end of them.

Hungerford increasingly threatened as they pegged Chippenham back, with Jarvis shooting over the bar on 71 minutes.

Four minutes later, a long throw by James Rusby was not cleared and substitute Mike Jones' mishit shot looped home from the edge of the area to level matters.

As Chippenham went all out for a winner, Alex Ferguson shot just past the post and James Guthrie blazed over.

The Bluebirds thought they had won it in the fifth minute of stoppage time as Greg Tindle headed home from a free-kick but celebrations were cut short by an assistant controversially flagging for offside.

The point sees Chippenham remain in second place in the league, although Poole Town are still way ahead of the chasing pack.

Before the game, presentations were made by chairman Neil Blackmore and vice-chairman John Applegate to long-serving player Iain Harvey and his family.

Harvey is leaving Chippenham after more than 10 years’ service.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Kent Kauppinen, Luke Ballinger, Harry Grant, Chris Allen, Greg Tindle, Mark Preece, Alex Ferguson, Matt Smith (Oli Taylor 70), Alan Griffin (Omar Simpson 88), Andy Sandell, James Guthrie.

Subs not used: Matt Jones, Michael Pook, Ryan Campbell.

Referee: Marvyn Amphlett

Attendance: 449