Slow start proves costly as Rebels fall to defeat at Chippenham Town

Photo credit: Zak Rana

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Chippenham Town 2, Slough Town 1

Slough Town’s recent fine form faltered at Hardenhuish Park last night (Tuesday) as the Rebels paid the price for a slow start against Chippenham Town.

The Rebels have risen out of the National League South relegation zone in recent weeks with consecutive wins over Maidenhead United, Slough Town and Eastbourne Borough.

But they weren’t the only side in form coming into last night’s clash with bottom club Chippenham having also rallied in terms of results and performances.

The Bluebirds were also unbeaten in their last three, having beaten Bath City at home and picked up respectable away draws at AFC Totton and Worthing.

They began the brighter of the two sides as well and took the lead inside 10 minutes when Tyrese Dyce was adjudged to have fouled Sol Wanjau-Smith in the area and Tom Owen-Evans beat Adam Desbois on the rebound after the keeper pushed out his spot kick.

The Rebels rallied and created a series of half-chances. Witkor Makowski fired into the side netting and Tyrique Clarke dragged an effort wide of the post. But the visitors had a mountain to climb from the 39th minute onwards when Billy Phillips doubled the home side’s lead.

With Jared Myers and Harvey Walker coming on to replace Reiss Greenidge and Jaiden Drakes-Thomas, the Rebels were much improved after the interval, but they failed to capitalise on their chances.

They grabbed one goal back in the 53rd minute when Jacob Borgnis headed a free kick back into the centre for Ruben Shakpoke to fire home. But despite having a measure of control for the rest of the game, they couldn’t find an equaliser. Clarke smashed another effort onto the crossbar after the Bluebirds half cleared the ball in the 68th minute while a Chippenham player was somewhat fortunate to get away with a couple of handballs in the area in the 73rd minute.

Slough saw plenty of the ball and put in cross after cross, but most were defended well, and even when they weren’t the ball just didn’t drop the visitor’s way.

The Rebels therefore stay in 18th place, four points above the drop zone, but Chippenham move to within five points of safety.

Posting on social media after the game, player manager Scott Davies said: “Disappointed to leave empty handed having created four or five very good chances after starting slow. When they were on top, they’ve scored twice and unfortunately when we gained momentum, we only managed one. Always a tough place to go. Onto Saturday.”

Slough are back on the road with a tricky looking trip to fifth placed Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.