A deal to bring ex-Conference star Jason Eaton to Chippenham Town has been sabotaged by the Bluebirds' chief rivals Bath City.

Eaton, who boasts Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham, Yeovil and Forest Green among his former employers, had effectively agreed a deal to take him to Hardenhuish Park after training with Tommy Saunders' team.

The 32-year-old striker was expected to put pen to paper this weekend, but local Dr Martens Premier Division foes Bath have hijacked the transfer after learning of Eaton's availability.

The veteran available on a free transfer after leaving Basingstoke is now expected to sign for City.

Disappointed Saunders seethed: "I am gutted. We thought the deal was done.

"Bath didn't make a better financial offer to Jason, but he has a lot of mates there which would have influenced his decision.

"I've spoken to him on the phone and he keeps apologising, but I'm very disappointed with him."

Saunders must now look for a new striking target to replace James Bent who left at the end of last season.

One surprise candidate is former Bluebird David Godley currently at Western Division Cirencester.

Godley, who left Chippenham after their FA Vase defeat in 2000, has been training at Hardenhuish this week, and is keen to re-establish himself with the Wiltshire club.