CHIPPENHAM Town lost their unbeaten league record as they slipped to third place in the Southern Premier Division in an ill-tempered clash at Hardenhuish Park.

Ironically, the decisive goal came from former Bluebird and Chippenham Park player George Nash.

The evening started badly for the Bluebirds before the match had even begun as Matt Smith pulled out with illness shortly before kick off.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men before the interval as Banbury skipper Andy Gunn was dismissed on 27 minutes following a second caution for a tackle on Dave Pratt with the Chippenham striker also booked for retaliation.

Pratt then received his marching orders in first-half stoppage time following his second booking for a foul.

The first half saw few on-target chances as Chippenham's Alex Ferguson saw his fifth-minute shot deflected behind whilst Banbury's Mark Bell side-footed wide.

Matt Jones and Will Richards both shot over for the Bluebirds whilst Mark Preece's shot was blocked by keeper Jack Harding.

Banbury's goal came on 20 minutes as the home defence wasted two chances to clear and Nash made room for himself to hit a low shot past a static Kent Kauppinen.

The Bluebirds best chance of the opening half came seven minutes before the break when James Guthrie's cross found Matt Jones in a central position but he headed straight at Harding.

After the break Callum White's shot was blocked by Kauppinen whilst substitute Felipe Barcelos wasted two good chances for the visitors.

Chippenham finally showed some urgency in the final 20 minutes and apart from several fruitless penalty claims produced a number of chances that could have seen them earn a draw.

Substitute Alan Griffin headed straight at Harding from Andy Sandell's cross before Sandell threaded a pass to Jones and his angled shot beat Harding but flashed narrowly wide.

Sandell then shot wide and three minutes from time had a shot blocked on the line.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Preece (Jenkinson 78), Felix (Campbell 62), Allen, Tindle, Richards, Guthrie (Griffin 46), Pratt, Sandell, Jones.

Sub not used: Beeden.

Referee: Alan Berrow (Lydney).

Attendance: 377