FORMER Chippenham Town hero Lea James came back to haunt his old team-mates in the big non-league derby on Boxing Day.

New Swindon Supermarine defender James a member of the Bluebirds' 2000 Wembley side headed a second-half equaliser that secured former Trowbridge Town manager John Murphy's men a surprise 1-1 draw in the Dr Martens League Western Division at Hardenhuish Park.

Murphy was understandably delighted, but his counterpart Tommy Saunders was fuming with his players,

Town produced a hungover performance, leaving Saunders to accuse some members of his squad of succumbing to the Christmas festivities all to readily.

The Bluebirds boss said: "Full marks to Supermarine, they made it very difficult for us, but I am not very happy with the way we played.

"It's the holiday season that we are going to get found out.

"Not because we are playing so many games, but because one or two of my lads like going out too often, and a few of them looked like they had been drinking quite heavily over the last two or three days.

"They know who they are, and they were a disgrace.''

Marine belied their rock-bottom status, and rattled the side backed by many to secure the Western Division title. While the much fancied hosts were still suffering the after effects of the festive bingeing, Marine came out flying.

The visitors forced a succession of early corners, and front two Pete Macklin and Tate Hulbert both had good chances to silence a near 900-strong Chippenham contingent.

But with 26 minutes on the clock Chippenham snatched the lead against the run of play. James Bent latched on to a John Woods through ball, shrugged off a challenge, and planted the ball beyond new on-loan Cheltenham keeper Stephen Benbow.

Three minutes into the second half Hulbert whipped in a right-wing cross, Town's defence failed to clear their lines, and former Bluebirds' favourite James was on hand at the back post to head a deserved leveller.

l IN the Wiltshire derby in the Screwfix Direct League Premier Division Melksham Town made the most of home advantage, running out 3-0 winners against neighbours Devizes.

It was a surprisingly comfortable victory for Robbie Lardner's side, particularly considering Devizes had beaten title favourites Bideford just four days ago.

There were no goals in a non-eventful first half, but two quickfire strikes from Matt Messenger and Matty Bown after the restart killed the contest.

Messenger volleyed home the third late on.

In the First Division Warminster Town's woes continued as they went down 6-0 at Frome Town.

The keenly awaited Division One clash between Calne and Corsham was postponed because of a frozen pitch.