THIS match saw the reverse of Chippenham’s previous two matches, when it was the Bluebirds turn to come from behind to earn a very credible draw as they maintained fourth place against their fifth-placed hosts.

Ian Traylor failed with a third minute one-on-one with Darren Chitty when he scuffed his shot.

But the Martyrs took the lead four minutes later when Ryan Prosser headed home a cross from Kieran Reffell.

Four minutes later Prosser was off target with a shot but he made amends on the half hour when he outwitted several Bluebirds defenders to fire home.

Three minutes later the Welshman was denied his hat-trick when his effort was deflected over.

Chippenham’s only real serious threat of the half came on 36 minutes when Andy Sandell’s long throw found Dave Pratt but he was unable to get his shot on target.

Two minutes before the break Alex Ferguson went down under a heavy challenge on the artificial surface and left the field with a back injury to be replaced by Matt Jones.

After the interval Chitty made a good save from Kayne McLaggan’s headed effort whilst Prosser again shot high.

Chippenham reduced the deficit on 47 minutes when Dan Bowman’s long ball forward saw Sandell beat Curtis McDonald to the ball and he squeezed a right-footed shot home from the narrowest of angles.

Eight minutes into the half Mark Collier introduced Mario Mateus off the bench for his Bluebird debut.

Just past the hour mark Merthyr’s Jarred Wright saw his headed effort booted off the line and midway through the half a series of corners saw McDonald head wide.

On 74 minutes Scott Barrow’s fierce drive was superbly tipped over by Chitty.

The save was to prove important as four minutes later McDonald fouled Sandell in the area and he gave Oliver Davies no chance with a thumping penalty for his 20th goal of the season, seven of which have been penalties.

Ten minutes from time McDonald was shown a straight red for abusive comments to the officials.

Chippenham: Chitty, Bowman, Felix (Guthrie 70), Pook, Tindle, Richards, Ferguson (Jones 45), Smith (Mateus 53), Pratt, Sandell. Horgan.

Sub not used: Beeden.

Referee: Alan Berrow (Lydney).

Attendance: 386