HOTSHOT striker David Gilroy struck the decisive winner three minutes from time to reboot Chippenham's championship challenge on Saturday.

The prolific marksman 15th goal for Chippenham since his move in December came just two minutes after Nathan Lamey had netted to cancel out a second half penalty from defender Ian Herring.

Manager Steve White was delighted to bounce back from two straight defeats, and claim maximum points on the same day second-placed Histon slipped up 3-2 at home to Rugby.

"Histon lost and proved they are not untouchable,'' he said, "some people have been saying that they are coming up behind us.

"It is nervewracking as both teams are having their blips and slips."

White said a change of tactics helped deliver the points.

He added: "We changed the system today and played four at the back and they all defended well and got their just desserts."

Gilroy caused the visitors problems throughout the match and it was his menacing run into the Halesowen penalty box that helped earn the Bluebirds a 69th minute penalty.

He made it to all the way to the by-line and sent in what would have been an inviting cross had defender Dave Haywood not stuck out a hand to block.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and centre back Herring, who scored a penalty for Swindon Town against Leeds in the Carling Cup last season, stepped up and buried his second spot kick of the campaign.

The former Robins player has been an unsung hero for Chippenham this year. His stern defending has helped the Bluebirds keep one of the best defensive records in the league, while his lethal long throw has boosted the goals-for tally.

Gilroy has also been in superb form. He has netted 15 league goals in just 20 games since his transfer from Conference South side Weston-super-Mare.

He had the best opportunity in a goalless first half when his glancing header flew wide.

But he saved his best until last when the scores were tied at one each with just three minutes left on the clock.

A through ball found striker James Constable but he was taken down by last defender Nick Preston.

While the 748 Chippenham fans were screaming for a foul and a red card, the referee waved play on, which allowed Gilroy to run into the ball in open space.

With Chris Taylor rushing off his line, the former Bristol Rovers forward elegantly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to send the home support into delirium.

Just three minutes before the winner the Bluebirds fans had been silenced when Lamey equalised for the Birmingham outfit.

Substitute Jimmy Haarhoff won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area when captain Gary Thorne's aggressive tackle took his feet away.

Former Hinkley striker Lamey stepped up and smashed the ball low and through a gap in the wall to beat keeper Mark Hervin with the help of a deflection.

It could have been a different story for the Bluebirds if the linesman had kept his flag down when winger Simon Forsdick, who scored twice against Chippenham in October, went through in the 32nd minute.

He easily put the ball past Hervin but was left frustrated when the referee indicated a free kick to Chippenham.

Chippenham: Hervin, Regis, Mcentegart, Herring, Thorne, Horgan, Kirk, Wilmot, Walker (Allison 70), Constable, Gilroy. Subs not used: Davidson, Bailey, Bunyard.