HIGH-FLYING Chippenham can go top of the Premier Division tonight if they beat Newport after a stunning 3-0 win against Ilkeston Town.

After a close opening 30 minutes Bluebirds sneaked into the lead after a mix-up in the Ilkeston defence let in Martin Paul to score on 29 minutes.

Chippenham piled on the pressure in the second-half Steve Brown giving Charlie Griffin the ideal chance to double the home side's lead.

Brown raced down the wing and crossed for Griffin but the Chippenham striker could only fire his volley straight at the keeper.

Chippenham effectively killed off the game on the hour when Tom Gould found space inside the Ilkeston box.

Mark Harrington delivered the perfect cross from the corner for Gould, who lost his defender, to head powerfully home on 64 minutes.

There was a scare for Chippenham though when Griffin went down under a crushing tackle and had to be stretchered off clutching his knee.

Fortunately a trip to hospital showed there was no serious damage and Griffin is in contention to start tonight's clash with Newport.

It was Griffin's replacement, Adie Mings, who eventually wrapped up proceedings on 81 minutes.

Just five minutes after coming on, Harington's pass set Mings through on goal and he finished with just the keeper to beat,

Delighted Chippenham boss Tommy Saunders said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. Six points in four days and six goals as well is just fantastic.

"We are in a great position now. I would have snapped someone's arm off if they had offered us this start to the season.

"We can go top if we win at Newport but it is probably the worst place you would want to go. The lads will be up for it though."