HISTON won the showdown for the Southern Premier title but Chippenham have no time to feel sorry for themselves.

The Bluebirds needed victory to take the title but slipped to a 1-0 defeat which condemned them to runners-up spot and a place in the play-offs which get underway this afternoon.

Steve White must now pick up his devastated troops just 48 hours after missing out on the championship, with Bedford visiting Hardenhuish for a one-legged play-off semi-final.

"It will be difficult because that was heartbreaking," said White.

"My biggest concern at this stage is raising 14 fit bodies.

"We have home advantage and the fans have been brilliant for us. They can make the difference. But the play-offs are a lottery."

A goal nine minutes from time was enough for Histon, who shaded it on their second-half showing.

Dean Evans and James Constable went closest for Chippenham in the first period, but Mark Hervin was the busier keeper, producing a fine stop from Jamie Barker.

As Chippenham looked to gamble in search of a winner they shipped the decisive goal.

Ian Cambridge's cross was nodded back by Barker and Neil Kennedy netted the goal that won the title from close range.

"We were 10 minutes away and that is hard to take," added White.

"The first goal was always going to be vital.

"We've had to gamble in the last 15 minutes and we've conceded.

"Credit to Histon We can learn a lot from them. They have a team full of 28 and 29 year olds. The legs are still there, they have experience and they play to their strengths."

Cirencester did everything they could to join Chippenham in the play-offs, but results elsewhere put an end to the dream.

Brian Hughes' men won 3-1 at home to Hemel Hempstead.

Youngster Craig Curtis was the architect, crossing for the first which was put into his own net by Matt Corbould.

Brian Hammatt smashed in an unstoppable equaliser, but another Curtis centre was thumped in by Gareth Hopkins to restore the advantage before the interval.

Hopkins made sure of the win early in the second period after linking up with Paul Hunt.

Despite victory, the Centurions finished a point outside the play-off positions in seventh.

Swindon Supermarine put a little distance between themselves and the Division One West relegation zone with a 1-0 home win over Ashford.

Ian Howell scored the 89th-minute winner, volleying home after a quickly taken throw-in.

It was a deserved winner after Marine controlled the game.

Dave Gee had earlier fired wide and Steve Jenkins forced a save from Tony Wells.

Ashford still made the West play-offs despite the defeat, while Marine finished fourth-from-bottom.