CHIPPENHAM TOWN favourite Matt Rawlins faces some time on the sidelines after he was attacked with an iron bar on Sunday night.

The right-winger was struck on the back of the head after coming to the rescue of his girlfriend who had her bag snatched during a night out in Bristol.

Rawlins required 18 stitches following the assault and cracked a bone in his wrist.

He now misses this weekend's crucial Dr Martens Premier Division clash with title rivals Stafford.

It's a cruel blow for the former Arsenal trainee who had only just reclaimed a starting spot after spending much of this season on the bench.

Bluebirds boss Tommy Saunders said: "It's terrible. Matty's obviously a bit shaken up but we're hoping there's a chance he'll be okay for the Wiltshire Shield game at Salisbury next week."

Saunders has moved quickly to sign Dave Godley as cover for Rawlins.

The forward switches from Devizes following their elimination from the FA Vase on Saturday.

It will be Godley's third spell at the club.

His first was during Chippenham's own Vase run to Wembley in 2000 and he returned briefly at the start of this season before the lure of first team football took him to Nursteed Road.