Chippenham Town 2, Welton Rovers 0: CHIPPENHAM played a fast and furious game in the Screwfix Direct League Premier Division match on Wednesday night.

From the kick-off Chippenham seemed a very motivated side, with Mark Cutler and Steve Tweddle producing three excellent chances within the first five minutes.

Welton defended brilliantly during this period, and next they were on the attack, with Simon Ford's shot going just wide.

The two sides were very evenly matched, and the pace of the game was superb. Both sides came within inches of scoring on numerous occasions, and during the first half it looked like the match could go either way.

Early on Rob Skidmore was booked for a foul on Welton's Gareth White. After this Welton had some excellent chances, with Paul Slocombe and White both coming close.

Just before half-time, Simon Charity made an excellent run, but was brought down by White just outside the area. Nick Tiley's free kick was headed towards Charity, who effortlessly tapped the ball past the Welton Rovers goalkeeper.

The goal was not the best considering the chances Chippenham had earlier on, but after it they certainly seemed more motivated.

Welton tried to get one back before half-time, and Slocombe's cross found White in space, but a crunching tackle from Lea James stopped him in his tracks, but also saw James booked for the tackle.

The free kick was taken by Andy Catley, but was an easy save for Chippenham's Ian Jones.

The second half saw Chippenham with more possession. Shane Andrews came very close with a shot that he drilled from outside the area, but Ken Scrivens just managed to get his finger tips to it.

Tiley produced a number of great crosses and was working hard down the left side.

Welton seemed frustrated, and Simon Ford was booked early on in the second half.

The pace of the game was still very fast and Andy Catley put a brilliant cross into the box, but none of his team-mates were able to get a foot or a head to it.

Welton were beginning to look dangerous again, and Chippenham made a substitution to bring on Steve Brown, who exploded into the match almost immediately and while making a break into the Welton area was brought down by the goalkeeper. The referee awarded the penalty and Steve Tweddle stepped up and put it away, to make it 2-0.

Welton now looked lost, and Chippenham had control.

Welton made a substitution, taking off Simon Ford, and bringing on Gareth Wright but the morale of the team was low and Mark James was booked for an incident in the Chippenham half.

Chippenham kept up the pressure until the end, and came close to scoring again on a number of occasions.

Chippenham manager Tommy Saunders said: I'm very, very pleased with the result. However Welton were superb, and we are very fortunate to pick up the three points. That being said, in the last 20 to 25 minutes there was only one side on the pitch. And in the end, although it wouldn't have been fair, we could have won by more."

Simon Charity, who scored Chippenham's first goal, said: I'm well happy about it. It wasn't the best of goals, but it's been a while since I've scored one, so I'm chuffed about it."

Chippenham: Jones, James, Andrews, Murphy, Rudge, Skidmore, Tiley, Charity, Tweddle, Cutler, Rosslee, substitutes: Burns, Brown, Bright.

Man of the match: Nick Tiley (Chippenham Town).

Referee: Keith Buller.

l CHIPPENHAM Town Supporters' Club is running coaches to the FA Carlsberg Vase game at Barking next Saturday and to the re-arranged league game with champions Taunton Town on December 16.

Booking are being taken by Jessica Swanborough, telephone (01249) 656089) after 6pm.