A SECOND half Matt Rawlins penalty proved decisive as Chippenham Town maintained their winning start to the pre-season campaign before a bumper crowd of more than 400 at The Southbank on the night of Tuesday 23 July.

Bluebirds boss Tommy Saunders fielded a host of trialists in a goalless first 45 minutes, but his side took control following ten half time substitutions and hit the Corsham crossbar three times.

Brazilian midfielder Juliano, former Swindon Town forward Paul Hunt and Nolan Pierre all failed to make an impression for the visitors in the first half and Saunders admitted the majority of the trialists on view will not have another chance to shine for the club.

He said: "The first half was pathetic and I was embarrassed that half of them put a Chippenham shirt on. They were so far off the pace and I'm not even sure some of them are good enough to play for Corsham.

"That's not being disrespectful to Corsham, they are a wonderful club and have done a fantastic job. But for some of those players to think they can play Dr Martens Premier is frightening.

But Saunders was more than satisfied with his side's second half performance, with Dave Godley and Matt Rawlins both looking sharp.

Said Saunders: "I thought Dave Godley was a different class after the break and I really enjoyed watching the second half, which doesn't happen very often as I'm a miserable old goat."

Corsham manager Mark Godley said: "The whole night has been good. We've had 350 to 400 people here and that is what the night was all about. It was played in the right spirit and was a good night for everybody."