CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mike Cook said St Albans City must have felt “very, very lucky” following the 1-1 draw in National League South on Saturday.

The Bluebirds went ahead in the first half thanks to a Marlon Jackson penalty – given for a clear foul on Vincent Harper – before a controversial spot-kick for St Albans squared the game up after the break.

With Chippenham leading at half-time, Cook accused St Albans’ management team of trying to intimidate the referee by banging on his door and demanding that he speak to them over the decision to award the Bluebirds a first-half penalty.

Despite the visitors dominating the majority of the contest, Chippenham were unable to find another goal for a victory Cook felt his side were more than good value for.

Speaking to club media after the game, Cook said: “When we looked at the videos on them, combined with the way they played against Dorking and Welling, we felt there were different avenues where we could attack them.

“We knew their danger-men, and I think the plan worked absolutely perfectly – that’s pleasing from a coaching point of view.

“But we can’t do anything about the refereeing decision for their penalty. Their management were banging on the referee’s door at half-time arguing and shouting, trying to call him out, and lo and behold he goes on to give them a penalty.

“It’s a bit disappointing from that point of view, but all told I think that’s the best we’ve played this season – especially in possession.

“But to come here with the budget that they’ve got and give them the game we did was pleasing.

“Even the three or four chances we had in the second half were better than theirs. They must have felt very, very lucky in that changing room afterwards.”

Meanwhile, Chippenham have been drawn to face Poole Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday, September 18.

Poole saw off Swindon Supermarine 5-0 in the first round, and will now take on the Bluebirds for the second season in succession following last year’s penalty shoot-out success for Cook’s men.

In transfer news, Chippenham signed Oxford United’s Michael Elechi on a month’s loan after Vincent Harper agreed a deal to join Eastleigh earlier this week.

And Will Henry signed a new contract days after Forest Green Rover’s Harvey Bunker extended his loan by a further month.