Lye puts the record straight

5:30pm Friday 29th February 2008

CHIPPENHAM Town edged a 1-0 win over visitors Hitchin Town on Tuesday as they avenged their opening day Southern League defeat.

The Bluebirds lost 1-0 at Hitchin in August but set the record straight at Hardenhuish Park in midweek thanks to a 75th minute header from midfielder Scott Lye.

Adie Mings' side could count themselves slightly lucky after Hitchin, who came into the match on the back of wins against Yate Town and Rugby Town, matched them for long periods.

David Pratt and Luke Gullick went close for the hosts early on, before Hitchin's Paul Barnes saw his shot pushed round the post by Chris Snoddy.

Izzy Harusha failed to net with a header before Sean Seavill had a goal ruled out.

Ollie Price cushioned a cross from Gullick but Seavill strayed offside before he slammed home the finish.

Mark Ducket could have given Hitchin the lead but his snap-shot did not have the power to trouble goalkeeper Snoddy.

The Bluebirds stopper comfortably saved an effort from Luke Gregson soon after.

Chippenham came out with renewed energy in the second half, but could not carve out a clear opening against a stubborn Hitchin defence.

Chances were few and far between before Lye nodded in the winner with 15 minutes to play.

Seavill was fouled on the right flank and Lye headed home Holly's near post free kick.

Hitchin made a late rally, but could not create a clear opportunity and Chippenham held out for the victory.

Bluebirds skipper Iain Harvey said Hitchin stretched his team to the limit.

Harvey said: "We had to work very hard and full credit to them.

"I think it would be fair to say we weren't our best. We didn't really get our passing game going like we normally do, especially at home.

"But they have got to take credit, they have got a few new players in and I don't think they will be down the bottom for long.

"We weren't happy with the way we played but at this stage of the season it doesn't really matter how we win.

"We dug in when we weren't playing well and dug out a result. It was important to bounce back against Hitchin.

"You're not going to play brilliant football every week, even Man United don't play brilliant football every week. It's just about being patient."

Harvey said: "It's all about keeping it tight at the back.

"Matthew McEntagert has made a big difference but all the boys at the back and Snods make us a much harder side to beat."

The captain said he was keeping an open mind about winning the Southern League title.

Harvey said: "The teams at the top have got to play each other and stranger things have happened."