MATCH REPORT: Chippenham Town 4-4 Cheshunt | National League South | Saturday 18th February 2023

Chippenham Town moved outside of the relegation zone against fellow bottom six side Cheshunt as both sides displayed defensive frailties

The Bluebirds fought back from 2 goals down and then after conceding again equalized in first half stoppage time as Joe Hanks hit a first half  hattrick.

Cheshunt took the lead again midway through the second half before a stoppage time penalty from Matt McClure earned a point.

Will Henry saved Ken Charles’ first minute shot whilst two minutes later the Bluebirds’ keeper tipped over a headed effort from Emmanuel Maja.

Charles then saw a shot deflected behind.

Cheshunt took the lead on five minutes after a Bluebirds corner routine broke down and the Ambers broke away for Tyrell Newton to score.

Charles then shot wide following a corner before Cheshunt doubled their lead with another breakaway on nine minutes when Chippenham lost possession at a free kick and Isaac Newton was left to tap into an empty net after a defensive error.

The visitors then hit the bar following another corner before Chippenham halved the deficit on twenty four minutes.

McClure did well before finding Hanks who rolled the ball past Preston Edwards.

A good run from Owen Windsor saw him find Alfie Santos who failed to hit the target from a good position.

On thirty six minutes McClure again did well to find Hanks who swept home the equalizer.

The goals continued to flow as Chesham again took the lead four minutes before the break as a corner was scrambled home by Lewis Hobbs.

On forty five minutes Will Richards headed wide from a free kick before Hanks hit his third in the fourth minute of stoppage time after more good work from McClure saw Santos’ shot palmed out by Edwards into the path of Hanks who followed up to net.

HALF TIME: Chippenham Town 3-3 Cheshunt

Eleven minutes after the break Edwards did well to save Santos’ shot.

Thirteen minutes later Charles restored the Ambers lead.

Eight minutes from time Chippenham unsuccessfully claimed a penalty after substitute Craig Fasanmade appeared to be fouled in the area.

However, referee Ross Martin pointed to the spot in the third minute of stoppage time after a foul and McClure coolly netted his first goal in a Bluebird shirt.

There was still time for a Chippenham free kick which again saw an alleged foul in the area on Spencer Hamilton but nothing was given.

FULL TIME: Chippenham Town 4-4 Cheshunt

Chippenham: Will Henry, Eddie Jones, Spencer Hamilton, Will Richards, Will King, Luke Russe, Tom Mehew, Joe Hanks (Caine Bradbury 61), Alfie Santos (Alex Bray 71), Owen Windsor (Craig Fasanmade 71), Matt McClure subs not used: Will Tizzard, Joe Parker

Cheshunt: Preston Edwards, Billy Cracknell, Isaac Pitblado, Fraser Alexander (Guseppe Re 71), Raul Da Silva (Taylor McKenzie 26), Lewis Hobbs, Zech Obieri, Ken Charles, Tyrelle Newton, Isaac Newton (Reece Beckles Richards, Emmanuel Maja subs not used: Temi Babalola, Adam Desbois

Ref: Ross Martin

Ass Refs: Mitchell Terry, Graham Pearce