MATCH REPORT: Chippenham Town 1-0 Lincoln City | Emirates FA Cup First Round | Saturday 5th November 2022
History was broken in North Wiltshire, as Chippenham Town reached the 2nd Round of the Emirates FA Cup, for the first time in their 149-year history.
It was who Chippenham started well, with winger Alex Bray’s cross hitting the top of Lincoln goalkeeper Jordan Wright’s crossbar on 14 minutes.
Caine Bradbury then had a long-distance effort held by the Imps’ goalkeeper.
Swindon Town loanee Harry Parsons then produced a piece of magic to twist past multiple Lincoln defenders, before being challenged and winning a corner kick.
The Bluebirds held much of the ball in the opening exchanges, and that nearly came to fruition as some neat work provided Joe Hanks with an opportunity. Hanks tried to curl a shot past the keeper, but it was palmed away.
The resulting corner was cleared for a Chippenham throw, where Eddie Jones would throw long. The fullback launched the ball onto the head of Will Richards where it fell to Joe Hanks, who cleverly back heeled into the corner of the net; with only 2 minutes left to go until the interval.
Cue wild scenes around the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium, as Chippenham took the lead for the first time ever in the First Round.
The League One side failed to create a concrete chance, it took until the 68th minute for a chance to fall, but it came the way of Chippenham. Caine Bradbury picked up on a loose touch from Paudie O’Connor and looked to drive towards the penalty box. The chance eventually came to nothing, but fired up the Chippenham supporters, who started to believe a win was possible.
Lincoln had a Draper equaliser ruled out, when referee Carl Brook adjudged a foul to have been committed. Imp’s captain Regan Poole was cautioned for his protests.
The visitors dominated the final 20 minutes, but Chippenham’s strong defence kept any significant threats well away from their goal.
After four minutes of stoppage time, the referee brought an end to proceedings. Onto the pitch rushed the host’s backroom staff, and the players sprinted towards the 1700 Chippenham fans in attendance.
Chippenham go into the Round Two draw as ball 16, with the draw taking place on BBC Two at 7pm.
Chippenham Town: Henry, Jones, Hamilton (C), Richards Minturn, Bray (Simpson 79), Parsons (Greenslade 60), Hanks (Gunner 65), Mehew, Bradbury (Parker 79), Russe.
Unused Subs: Santos, Young, Fasanmade, Tuodolo, Case
Lincoln City: Wright, Poole (C), Sanders, Vernam, Bishop (Virtue 65), O’Connor, Robson, Sorensen (Jackson 85), Eyomo, Roughan (Oakley-Boothe 45), Draper.
Unused Subs: Davenport, Ahue, Aiian.
Attendance: 2,175 (402 away)
Referee: Carl Brook.
Match report by Jamie Oleszynski.
