CHIPPENHAM Town slipped to fifth place in the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division, but this well-deserved point saw them take their fourth point this season off the title favourites as the fog descended on Leamington's ground.

Chippenham had the better of the opening exchanges but the Warwickshire side were quick to attack once they won possession and returning skipper Greg Tindle and Rhys Baggridge, playing together for the first time at the heart of the Bluebirds defence, had to be alert to the threat of the lively Leamington strike force.

Alex Ferguson saw an early shot saved by Tony Breeden whilst the home keeper easily held Andy Sandell's looping header.

On 27 minutes Darren Chitty did well to save Ahmed Obeng's shot and a minute later Chippenham took the lead with a well-placed shot from Dave Pratt after good work by Matt Smith.

With the noisy home crowd getting behind them Leamington went close to equalising several times before the break with Courtney Baker-Richardson guilty of wasting their best chance whilst at the other end Smith was off target with his shot.

As the Brakes came quickly out of the blocks after the interval they deservedly equalised on 56 minutes although there was a touch of fortune about their goal.

Chitty palmed away a shot from Jack Edwards and the ball trickled along the by-line but before it could go out it was crossed for Baker Richardson to head into an empty net.

Richard Gregory, recently signed from the Brakes rivals Stratford Town, sent a free kick from a dangerous central position 25 yards out sailing over the bar, whilst at the other end Smith's speculative effort was watched by Breeden as it drifted wide.

Chitty then denied Rob Thompson-Brown whilst Pratt failed with a piece of trickery as neither side could create a telling chance to win the game.

Chippenham: Chitty, Bowman, Felix, Horgan, Tindle, Baggridge, Ferguson (Pook 78), Smith, Pratt, Sandell, Jones.

Subs not used: Beeden, Mateus, Richards, Rae.

Referee: Ed Pidduck.

Attendance: 498