CHIPPENHAM Town predictably bowed out of the Red Insure cup at Merthyr Town on Tuesday night as manager Mark Collier chose to rest all ten of his outfield players that started Saturday's league win over Leamington.

Only keeper Kent Kauppinen maintained his place in the starting eleven as the Bluebirds fielded six players from Chippenham Park, along with several first-team squad players, whilst Conor McCormack returned from an injury that has seen him sidelined for the last three months.

Welsh side Merthyr fielded a near full-strength team and that became apparent from the first minute as the inexperienced Bluebird' were put on the back foot from the first minute with a Jaye Bowen having an attempt on goal.

As the Martyrs continued to attack, Chippenham briefly responded with an Omar Simpson shot that was saved by Cameron Clarke in the home goal but Merthyr took the lead on 19 minutes through the impressive Kerry Morgan.

Six minutes later, Morgan turned provider when he picked out Corey Jenkins, who doubled the home team’s lead.

On 35 minutes, Merthyr made sure it would be their name that went into the hat for the fourth round draw when a fine move saw Bowen combine with Morgan for the latter to notch his second of the evening and Merthyr's third.

The second half was a far more sedate affair, with Merthyr content to protect their lead until three minutes from time when substitute Matt Smith scored a consolation for Chippenham.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Kent Kauppinen, Jamie Norman, Scott Bevan, Alioune Diouf, Charlie Norman, Conor McCormack, Alex Pring, Omar Simpson, Toby Clarke, Matt Jones, Ryan Campbell.

Subs: Andy Sandell, Luke Ballinger, Michael Pook, Mark Preece, Matt Smith.

Attendance: 128