CHIPPENHAM recorded a valuable three points in a hard-fought victory against their Warwickshire visitors.

After twice taking the lead in the first half they were twice grateful to the woodwork after the break as the game deteriorated after Chippenham lost Andy Sandell to a hamstring injury on 40 minutes.

The Bluebirds started brightly and deservedly took the lead after twelve minutes with a debut goal from Jay Malpas.

The onloan Bristol Rovers midfielder, making his first start in a Chippenham shirt, hit a first-time shot from Sandell's low cross.

Stratford equalised eight minutes later after a mistake by Luke Ballinger allowed former Bristol City striker Mark Magee to roll a shot past Kent Kauppinen.

The Chippenham keeper then held a 30-yard drive from Aaron Moses-Garvey, whilst Alan Griffin headed a Ballinger cross wide.

The winning goal came on 32 minutes when James Guthrie's cross ended with Griffin's instinctive shot from two yards out being blocked on the line by Anthony Charles.

Malpas returned the loose ball and Sandell planted a header past Andy Kemp.

Jack Roberts was off target for Stratford with a 30-yard effort before Sandell was replaced by Ben Whitehead and two minutes before the break Griffin headed wide from a Malpass cross.

The second half saw the Bluebirds lose their shape somewhat as Stratford strived desperately to get back into the game. Chippenham did go close on the hour mark when Guthrie's curling free kick was touched over by Kemp.

A minute later at the other end Kieran Westwood's shot hit a post and rebounded into the grateful arms of Kauppinen.

The woodwork again came to Chippenham's aid on 71 minutes when a central free kick was headed against the bar by centre back Liam Francis.

Alex Ferguson then saw his shot saved by Kemp before his 73rd-minute shot from Whitehead's cross also hit a post.

Stratford substitute Emmit Delfouneso headed a cross over the bar nine minutes from time as the Bluebirds held on for a deserved victory.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Ballinger, Bevan, Allen, Tindle, Preece, Ferguson, Malpas, Griffin, Sandell (Whitehead 40), Guthrie (Grant 70).

Subs not used: Jones, Taylor, Pook.

Referee: Robert Dabbs (Weymouth).

Attendance: 378