MATCH PREVIEW: Chippenham Town vs Salisbury | National League South | Saturday 18th January 2025
Matt Chappell previews our first home clash of 2025 the Wiltshire Derby
It feels like an eternity since we last experienced the thrill of league action on home turf, the wait is finally over this weekend as the Bluebirds gear up to welcome our local rivals, Salisbury FC to #TheTSStadium for what promises to be a showdown in a big Wiltshire Derby (Part 2 clash).
Last Time Out
The Bluebirds were looking to build on their 3-1 victory over Weston-super-Mare AFC on New Year’s Day as they took on Tonbridge Angels last Saturday. However, the match didn’t go quite as planned. Despite Tom Mehew’s early goal, which put Chippenham ahead before the break, Tonbridge responded in the second half with Crossley Lema’s strike, earning a 1-1 draw.
It was a scrappy game overall, with neither side really able to find their rhythm. Chippenham had some good chances, especially towards the end of the first half. After Mehew’s goal, both Harry Parsons and Mehew himself were involved in creating three consecutive opportunities, but none could find the back of the net.
At the other end, Will Henry had to stay alert, making an important save in the 22nd minute to deny Tonbridge’s Sean Shields, who looked dangerous on the break. While Chippenham pushed for another goal, the match ended level.
This week, we caught up with goalscorer Tom Mehew to get his thoughts on the 1-1 draw against Tonbridge Angels and hear what he’s expecting ahead of this weekend’s match with Salisbury saying:
Mixed emotions about a draw at Tonbridge away. I think, before the game, you take it considering how good their form is at home. However, we followed our game plan and should’ve been 2-0 up in the first half, which we would’ve been able to see out.
Onto Salisbury back at home, where we can hopefully get the three points, which will make the one point away at Tonbridge a great point.
Our Opponents
Salisbury returned to the National League South for the 2024/25 season after a triumphant campaign in the 2023/24 Southern Premier Division. Finishing 3rd in the league, they secured promotion by winning the play-off final against AFC Totton, joining Chesham United as new entrants into the National League South (VNLS). This marks a significant milestone in the club’s journey, reflecting its resilience and determination to climb back up the football pyramid.
The story of football in Salisbury is a rollercoaster of success, setbacks, and revival. The original club, Salisbury City FC, once enjoyed remarkable achievements, including promotion to the Conference Premier (now National League) in 2007. However, the success was short-lived as financial difficulties began to surface. By September 2009, the club was placed into administration, a move that led to severe consequences: fines, a points deduction, and demotion by two divisions in 2010 due to their inability to meet creditor repayment deadlines.
Despite emerging from administration in 2013 and achieving a commendable 12th-place finish in the Conference Premier that season, the financial struggles persisted. By June 2014, Salisbury City FC faced demotion once again due to continued financial instability, and in July 2014, the club was ultimately expelled from the football league system.
The current Salisbury FC was born in 2015 as a phoenix club, rising from the ashes of its predecessor. Under the leadership of former player and manager Steve Claridge, the club began its journey in the Wessex League. They immediately signalled their ambitions, winning automatic promotion to the Southern League Division One South & West during the 2016/17 season.
The momentum continued as Salisbury secured another automatic promotion the following season, finishing second in the Southern League Division One South & West on an impressive 84 points. While Taunton Town finished as champions with 103 points, Salisbury’s consistency and determination saw them climb to the Southern Premier Division.
Over the next few years, Salisbury established themselves as a competitive force in the Premier Division, maintaining strong league performances. Their persistence paid off in the 2023/24 season, where they finished 3rd with 79 points and advanced to the play-offs. The Whites delivered a memorable victory over AFC Totton in the final, sealing their promotion to Step 2 of the non-league pyramid for the first time in nearly a decade.
The current manager, Brian Dutton joined the Whites as manager in 2022 following a short managerial spell at Walsall, the 39 year former footballer once played for Salisbury City in the 2008-09 season and from 2010 to 2014, playing 167 games and scoring 11 goals, his other former clubs include Weymouth, Eastleigh, Havant & Waterlooville and Cambridge United.
Familiar Faces
With the close proximity of both sides, you’d think many players would’ve played for both sides but with the phoenix club formed. One notable example is of course Craig Fasanmade, who joined Salisbury at the start of this season after his time with the Bluebirds. Although he had a small injury setback earlier in the campaign, Craig, known as “Fas,” has been a key player for the Whites, contributing 5 goals in 20 appearances and playing 1,111 minutes of football so far.
Another familiar face at Salisbury is Noah Coppin, who made the move from Chippenham a few seasons ago. Noah has become an integral part of the Salisbury squad and played a significant role in their promotion to the National League South. This season, he has netted 3 goals in 16 appearances, contributing 1,330 minutes on the pitch so far.
Ones to Watch
While we could’ve highlighted familiar faces like former Bluebirds Noah Coppin and Craig Fasanmade, who both made appearances in our “Familiar Faces” section, today I’m choosing to spotlight two players who have been in excellent form this season for Salisbury. One of them is 21-year-old forward Josh Hedges, who joined the club from Didcot Town in the summer of 2023. Since his arrival, Josh has been a standout performer, quickly making an impact with his impressive goal-scoring ability. As of now, he has scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists in just 17 appearances. With a total of 1,530 minutes on the pitch, Josh has averaged a goal every 219 minutes and he will certainly be one to watch this Saturday.
Another player who has caught the eye this season is 23-year-old Jordan Raquette. A versatile left-footed talent who previously played for AFC Totton, Raquette has added significant depth to the squad since joining Salisbury. So far this season, he has netted 5 goals in 24 appearances, contributing 2,118 total minutes on the field.
Head 2 Head
While it’s tempting to look back at previous encounters between Chippenham and Salisbury City, it’s worth focusing on their most recent meeting in September 2024. The two sides faced off at The Ray Mac Stadium, where Salisbury came out on top with a 3-2 victory.
Salisbury took control of the match with goals from Jordan Raquette, Josh Hedges, and Aidan Elliott-Wheeler. Despite a valiant effort from the Bluebirds, including a goal from Tom Mehew and an own goal by Salisbury’s Sido Jombati, it wasn’t enough to secure a point.
In Conclusion
It promises to be another big test for Gary Horgan’s side as they look to go three unbeaten in 2025, but with the Wiltshire Derby, it’s going to be even more a feisty affair. We of course look forward to welcoming you all to the game.
Match Tickets are available to buy on the gate on the day only, priced at: Adults £16, Senior Citizens*: £12, Junior (16-17): £6, Child (5-15): £4. *Students with a student card and serving Armed Forces personnel with an ID card. Cash / Card payment are accepted on the turnstiles.
If you’re not able to join us at #TheTSStadium on Saturday, you can stay up-to-date with the game via our X account with Match Updates available and of course you can re-watch all the action with our Match Highlights available shortly after on YouTube.
Come on down this weekend, show your support, get behind the lads and as always, COME ON YOU BLUEBIRDS!
