Blubirds Soar To Top - Chippenham Town vs. Kings Lynn Town

Stand and blue skies at Hardenhuish Park

The weather almost allowed me a free choice of game last weekend but a torrential band of band of rain early on Saturday morning put paid to that. After seeing on Twitter and the Chippenham Town forum that it was more than likely that the Chippenham Town versus Kings Lynn Town game in The Southern League Premier would go ahead, I headed west yet again for a game. This match pitched second against eight this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I've visited The Walks for an FA Trophy match against Conference North side which Kings Lynn were extremely unfortunate to lose. Chippenham had won their four games in the league but they had lost the return fixture two nil back in October.  

Kick off in blazing sunshine

Both sides have early chances - Kings Lynn with a free kick out wide and Chippenham from a pull back but neither keeper is tested. Chippenham then almost power through the Kings Lynn defence and the key pass is cut out as the visitors regain their composure. Kings Lynn almost gift Chippenham the opener following a mistake by the centre back but the final ball is just too high. Kings Lynn come close with a looping header from a free kick which sadly goes over the bar. The home side take the lead shortly before half time with an effort which is lashed home from distance which gives the goalie no chance.

Kings Lynn repeal a Chippenham attack

Kings Lynn get a couple of balls into the Chippenham penalty area early in the second period but neither find their intended target. Chippenham then double their lead in controversial style. The Kings Lynn keeper loses the ball while trying to collect a corner and the Kings Lynn players are adamant that he was fouled. The referee doesn't agree and after a bit of a scramble the ball is forced home from close range to make it two nil. This sparks the visitors into life and a good chance to half the deficit is put well over the bar. They do get back into the game as the Kings Lynn attacker finds the ball at his feet at the corner of the penalty area and his angled effort files past the keeper. Chippenham however soon restore their two goal advantage. The Chippenham centre forward gets to a long ball forward and he hits it on the half volley on the up and past the keeper. This knocks the wind of Kings Lynn's sails and Chippenham add a fourth with a near post header from a corner.

4-1 Chippenham

Trains to Chippenham depart from Paddington with the journey taking just over an hour. As with Stamford and Corby, tickets on the day are extremely expensive and so I recommend booking in advance if possible. The town itself is a pleasant market town on The Avon with a lot of old buildings to look at. The best pub by far in the town centre is The Buttercross Inn. There is a fantastic choice of beers and ciders as well as the sports channels on a big screen. The ground is a leisurely fifteen minute walk from the town. The bar overlooks the pitch and had the usual selection of beer and was also quite lively before kick off. While I was waiting for the train home I popped in to The Blackhorse which is perfect for that.

Covered standing opposite the main stand