Chippenham go second after ending home drought (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chippenham go second after ending home drought

CHIPPENHAM registered their first home win for over four months in emphatic fashion.

The Bluebirds swept aside Hemel Hempstead 5-2 at Hardenhuish Park, climbing to second in the Premier Division in the process.

The damage was done in the opening half an hour as the hosts hit four without reply.

Gary Thorne forced home Ian Herring's long throw on 18, Sam Allison rounded the keeper for number two, Dave Gilroy slotted the third and Lee Davison rifled home from the edge of the box to make it 4-0.

Argyris Petrou reduced arrears after the break before Gilroy volleyed Chippenham's fifth. Bryan Hammett pulled another one back but their was no chance of a comeback.

Cirencester are still in touch after trouncing basement boys Solihull 4-1.

The Centurions took five minutes to get off the mark when Ben Fitch was upended in the box and Darren Robison fired home the spot kick.

Within three minutes Ciren were two up when Gareth Hopkins crossed for strike partner Jody Bevan to score with a glancing header.

The deficit was reduced by Rob Taylor's 30-yard free-kick before the interval.

Ciren gave themselves breathing space when Hopkins unleashed a fabulous 25-yard drive on the hour.

Substitute Phil Corcoran completed the scoring with his first competitive goal since signing from Fairford.