CHIPPENHAM Town endured a nightmare start to the new National League South season after suffering a 3-0 defeat away at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

Gary Horgan's men lost to the side which knocked them out of the play-offs at the semi-final stage back in May while also having Matt Jones sent off before half-time.

A poor day almost began in the worst possible way when captain Spencer Hamilton cleared off the line in the third minute after Dominic Poleon had rounded Will Henry but failed to find the back of the net.

After a couple of chances were exchanged without success, Ebbsfleet took the lead on the half-hour mark. Craig Tanner when on a strong run before being fouled, but the referee played advantage, allowing Greg Cundle to slot the ball past Will Henry.

Chippenham's afternoon became slightly more difficult in the 38th minute when Jones was sent off for pulling Omari Stirling-James’s down just outside the penalty area.

Horgan's men remained compact until midway through the second half, when they conceded the goal which likely prevented any potential comeback. After Poleon tested Henry, substitute Toby Edser tapped into the empty net.

After Stirling-James and Christian N'Guessan had been denied by Henry - and Poleon had wasted another excellent opportunity - Ebbsfleet hit their third through substitute Darren McQueen seven minutes from time to seal the result in convincing style.

Prior to the weekend defeat, Chippenham had signed two new players - both of whom played some part as a substitute on Saturday.

The Bluebirds brought in defender Aaron Simpson after spells with National League South rivals Hemel Hempstead Town, Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, and Spanish side, FC Jumilla.

Meanwhile, Chippenham also announced the arrival of 18-year-old striker, Sebastian Palmer-Houlden on a short-term youth loan from Championship club Bristol City.

Horgan's men did not have a midweek game and will return to action on Saturday in the club's first home game of the season.

Chippenham welcome Chelmsford City to the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium for a 3pm kick-off.