CHIPPENHAM TOWN continue to lead the race for runners-up spot after drawing 1-1 with third-placed Stafford Rangers in a cracking clash at Hardenhuish Park.

Two home debutants played key roles for the Bluebirds, with Scott Walker netting the crucial equaliser and Liam Bull impressing in goal after replacing James Bittner who suffered a freak injury in the warm up.

Bittner was struck on the shoulder by a stray ball from the adjacent Chippenham Hockey Club.

The shot-stopper began the game after extensive treatment which held up kick-off, but he could only last five minutes before trudging off and handing the untried Bull a chance to shine.

The former Supermarine keeper suffered a nervy start and was at fault for the opening goal on 11 minutes. Bull fumbled a left-wing corner and Lee Barrow headed the visitors in front.

But Stafford's lead was short lived as Walker levelled within four minutes. Gary Horgan sent right-back Simon Charity clear and his delightful cross was nodded home at the back post by the Bluebirds' new number seven.

The hosts began to take control as the half progressed with Charlie Griffin breaking through the middle but shooting tamely at Ryan Price.

Martin Paul provided more of a test for the Stafford keeper with a crisp close-range shot on the turn which Price palmed aside.

Bull then atoned for his earlier error with a fine reflex stop from Robin Gibson on the stroke of half-time.

Price was a busy boy soon after the interval, saving well from the brilliant Adie Mings before somehow keeping out another point-blank Paul effort via the woodwork after a flowing Town move down the left.

Bull continued to grow in confidence at the other end, brilliantly clawing away Rob Heath's chip.

The substitute keeper was beaten by Wayne Daniel's 70th-minute effort, but the assistant's flag came to the rescue.

Chippenham sub JP Mills then rattled the inside of Price's post with a fantastic 25-yard curler and Stafford replacement Chris Murphy also hit the woodwork with a late header.

A point apiece was a fair outcome from a pulsating encounter and Bluebirds boss Tommy Saunders was more than happy as his depleted squad defied the odds to grab a share of the spoils.

Saunders was already down to the bare bones, with Steve Brown, Matt Rawlins, Mark Harrington and Gareth Davies all ruled out.

The last thing he needed was an injury to Bittner and Town's boss failed to see the funny side of the bizarre incident.

"I think Chippenham Hockey Club need some more shooting practice but it's not a joking matter," said Saunders. "We think James' shoulder is dislocated and it's a massive blow. Liam Bull's done really well today but James Bittner is the best goalie in this league and we need him back as quick as we can.

"It was a fantastic game of football. We are second in the league, they are third, and it looked like two of the best teams in the division really going for it."

Tamworth's 2-0 win over struggling Folkestone moves them 13 points clear of the Bluebirds and virtually guarantees the Lambs a place in the Conference next season.

Worcester, who were without a game, remain fourth, while Dover's disappointing 1-1 draw with lowly Ilkeston keeps them fifth.

Bath are still eighth after a 0-0 draw at Grantham.

CHIPPENHAM: Bittner (Bull), Charity, Thorne, Towler, Gould, Badman, Walker, Horgan, Paul (Mills), Mings, Griffin

Subs not used: Andrews, Fraser

Attendance: 761

BLUEBIRDS winger Steve Brown will miss the rest of the season after further scans on his leg injury revealed he had broken a bone.

Brown was injured during the 0-0 draw at Worcester last Saturday and the original diagnosis was heavy bruising. But another x-ray confirmed a break.