Brave Waders lose at Chippenham

Their start to the game was even more impressive considering their tortuous journey to the west country.

An accident on the M4 meant a detour around the back lanes, leaving not much time to prepare and manager Chris Nunn’s team selection had to be based on those who had arrived.

The Waders were determined from the start. Attacking up the Chippenham slope with vigour, and defending as a total unit, they gave their all.

They were rewarded on nine minutes when neat interplay between Tony Burnett, Connor Vincent and Craig Daniel set up the captain who took his time to net the opening goal.

Chippenham then proceeded to launch attack after attack but Max York, Mark Coulson, Gavin Hoyte and Callum Lewis provided a defensive screen around keeper Ian Brown.

In the second half Biggleswade attacked down the slope, and just two corners later found themselves 2-0 up, with Hoyte forcing the ball over the line.

Chippenham’s manager immediately responded with three substitutes. The engerised hosts attacked the Waders, working the wings, and struck twice in two minutes just past the hour through Fiddes and Smith to make it 2-2.

The next 20 minutes saw two teams battling end to end.

Burnett and the impressive hard working Vincent created chances, but it was Chippenham who netted what proved to be the winning goal with a quarter of an hour left, Jones converting from a counter attack.

Coulson hit the post late on for Biggleswade as they continued to strive for a point their performance deserved.

A bumper crowd is expected at the final home league game of the season at the Carlsberg Stadium on Saturday with neighbours Hitchin Town, sitting second in the table and looking to confirm a play-off place, expected to bring a sizeable following.