TWO special goals by Andy Sandell and further efforts from Alan Griffin and substitute Oli Taylor saw the Bluebirds fly to the top of the Southern Premier Division as leaders Poole’s game at Redditch was postponed.

That outcome had looked a little shaky 15 minutes from time when King’s Lynn halved their deficit and were looking the stronger side.

But a spectacular strike from Sandell put an end to the Norfolk side’s fightback and Taylor made it 19 Bluebirds goals in their last five league games as he headed home a late fourth.

In the opening half the Bluebirds had kicked up the Hardenhuish Park slope and contained the Linnets threat to the odd free kick.

For their part Chippenham saw Alex Ferguson’s eighth-minute cross deflected to Griffin who shot into the side netting.

In a midfield battle, that proved the only chance of the game until the Bluebirds opened the scoring out of the blue on 37 minutes. Griffin headed on a clearance and Sandell found himself 25 yards out with two defenders closing in.

Chippenham’s top scorer showed all his experience as he immediately fired off a low shot that took keeper Alex Street unawares and despite the effort being central the ball flew past the keeper’s legs to give Chippenham a half-time lead.

On 53 minutes Griffin’s outstretched leg just failed to connect with Matt Jones’s cross.

At the other end Jacek Zielonka shot wide. Chippenham doubled their lead on 56 minutes after Street dropped Jones’s deep free kick under pressure from Griffin.

As the keeper stayed on the ground Sandell’s shot was blocked but the ball fell to Griffin who fired home from close range.

The visitors protested vehemently, with skipper Ryan Fryatt, making his 20th appearance for the Linnets, booked by referee Mark Russell.

On 58 minutes a cross from the right saw Mark Preece and Kent Kauppinen leave the ball for each other and a surprised Lee Stevenson could only scoop his close-range effort over the bar.

The Linnets’ Lee Smith’s shot was blocked whilst Griffin headed onto Sandell behind the defence but he lifted his shot over Street and the bar.

As the Linnets went 4-2-4 substitute David Bridges’ foray into the area ended with Kauppinen diving on the ball.

King’s Lynn’s pressure was rewarded on 74 minutes when the Bluebirds defence failed to clear a cross from the right and Stevenson drove a shot across Kauppinen and into the far corner.

Sandell then rounded three defenders before playing Matt Smith in but his shot was deflected for a corner.

The game was made safe eight minutes from time when Michael Pook’s long throw found Sandell with his back to goal and he spun and thumped an unstoppable 40-yard right footed shot past Street.

With the large crowd baying for a fourth substitute Oli Taylor headed home three minutes from time.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Allen (Malpas 88), Grant, Pook, Tindle, Preece, Ferguson, Smith, Griffin (Taylor 83), Sandell, Jones (Whitehead 88).

Referee: Mark Russell (Bristol).

Attendance: 427