Allison nets late winner for Bluebirds

4:15pm Friday 22nd February 2008

SAM Allison headed a late winner as Chippenham Town narrowly beat Cirencester Town 2-1 in Monday evening's Southern League Premier Division game.

With six minutes to play new signing Martin Paul provided the cross for Allison to nod in and take three precious points for The Bluebirds.

The Bluebirds made a lively start and Luke Gullick fired wide on five minutes when a corner was cleared into his path.

Adie Mings' side went ahead two minutes later when David Pratt beat two defenders and centred for Scott Lye to stroke home the opening goal.

The Bluebirds continued to press and Matt Bulman was forced into action after a shot from forward Sean Seavill.

After 13 minutes an inch-perfect pass from Pratt picked out Gullick but his volley flew just wide.

Pratt saw his shot ricochet wide before the game swung in the home side's favour.

Andrew Chapman and Harry Etheridge both attempted speculative efforts as Ciren edged their way back into it.

Alex Stanley directed a header wide of the post following a Chapman corner and Snoddy was down smartly to stop a drive from Ashan Holgate.

Pratt nearly put the visitors further ahead when he tried to place home a cross from Allison, but the ball fizzed over.

Chapman tried his luck from long-range for the hosts as half time approached.

Ciren equalised on 49 minutes when Chippenham went to sleep from a Chapman free kick and Paul Cochlin headed his team level at the far post.

Dan Wallington shot wide soon after and Snoddy was lucky to escape when Nick Stanley placed the goalkeeper's mis-kick wide of the post.

Cochlin came close to netting his second header of the day but nodded off-target and Holgate blasted over soon after.

New signing Martin Paul was introduced mid-way through the half and he brought a save out of Bulman with seven minutes left.

But Allison snatched victory for The Bluebirds a minute later when he directed substitute Paul's floated cross into the net.

Chippenham boss Adie Mings said to play again after an important game on Saturday was a challenge for his players.

Mings said: "It was always going to be difficult going to Ciren 48 hours after the King's Lynn game.

"A lot of passion and enthusiasm went out on Saturday and it was going to be difficult to raise their game. Ciren are a very good side on their day.

"First half we started really well and probably should have gone in two or three nil up at half time.

"They pinned us back second half and were the better side for 25 to 30 minutes.

"But we got back in and managed to get a winner late on and I was pleased that we showed character and resilience."