MATCH REPORT: Hemel Hempstead Town 3-2 Chippenham Town | National League South | Tuesday 10th March 2026
Late goal denies Bluebirds at Vauxhall Road
We were cruelly denied a point in dramatic fashion as Hemel Hempstead Town struck deep into stoppage time to claim a 3–2 victory at Vauxhall Road.
The Bluebirds started brightly and created early openings through Harry Parsons and Billy Phillips, both seeing efforts blocked as Town looked to impose themselves on the contest.
The breakthrough came on 25 minutes when Caine Bradbury produced another moment of quality. The midfielder stepped up to a free-kick from around 25 yards and curled a superb strike into the back of the net to give Chippenham the lead.
Hemel threatened from set pieces as the half wore on and eventually drew level five minutes before the break when Noel-Williams found the net to make it 1–1. A square ball fell to him on the edge of the area and a good low shot beat Will Henry to level the score.
But the Bluebirds responded brilliantly in first-half stoppage time. A slick move down the left saw Bradbury and Rashawn Scott combine before Bradbury drilled a low cross into the box where Harry Parsons arrived to fire home and restore the advantage.
Half-time: Hemel Hempstead Town 1–2 Chippenham Town
The hosts started the second half strongly and levelled ten minutes after the restart through George Williams. A fantastic curling strike from the former Welsh International levelled things.
Both sides continued to trade chances in an open contest. Bradbury fired narrowly wide from distance, while Anointed Chukwu forced a save after bursting past his marker.
Hemel struck the crossbar midway through the half, while at the other end Billy Phillips created a great opportunity, driving to the byline before cutting the ball back for Parsons, whose effort was miraculously clawed out my Micheal Johnson in the Hemel net.
As the match entered the closing stages, the Bluebirds looked forced to settle for a point. Will Henry produced an important save late on before Luke Haines cleared the danger from a corner.
However, deep into stoppage time the hosts found a decisive moment, scoring in the 93rd minute to snatch the points as Jake Gray smashed in from close range after a penalty box scramble.
Chippenham pushed everyone forward in search of an immediate response, with Henry even coming up for a late corner, but Hemel held on to secure the victory.
