CHIPPENHAM finally overcame stubborn resistance from Hereford United, who after being reduced to ten men quickly fell behind only to level with a fluke equaliser.

A goal five minutes from time from substitute Alex Ferguson gave the Bluebirds a deserved three points.

However, with Hereford facing a winding-up order at the end of this month, those hard-earned three points might yet be expunged.

In the first half, the benefit of full-time training showed as the young Bulls team, containing players from afar afield as Spain, Holland and Jamaica, were quick to close the Bluebirds down whilst counter-attacking with some swift passing moves.

In the opening half, the Bluebirds started by forcing three fruitless corners but rarely threatened keeper Luke Williams, with Jon Beeden and Jordan Roberts both failing to hit the target.

Hereford fared little better although Obi Oneyeike did force Kent Kauppinen into a save from a 20-yard free kick.

With Saturday’s goal scoring hero Omar Simpson nursing a dislocated shoulder, Chippenham’s injury jinx struck again as the half came to a close as Roberts had to leave the field with a head injury to be replaced after the break by Ferguson.

The Bluebirds started the second period brighter as Matt Jones saw his opportunist shot from 25 yards just go wide and Williams used his body to rebuff an effort from Darren Edwards.

The match changed on 54 minutes when Joshua Oyibo, who had already appeared fortunate to escape a caution on two separate occasions, was shown a straight red card for a high tackle on Conor McCormack.

Chippenham wasted little time in taking advantage as three minutes later Ferguson laid the ball back to an onrushing Beeden whose low shot from the edge of the area saw him score his debut goal for the Bluebirds.

The visitors clawed their way back into the match on 64 minutes when Bilal Yafai’s 30-yard shot took a deflection off a home defender and looped over Kauppinen’s head.

Jones then saw his initial and follow up shot blocked, whilst Hereford substitute Aboubakar Kone forced Kauppinen into a save.

The winning goal came five minutes from time when substitute Luke Ballinger’s shot hit a post and Ferguson converted the loose ball.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, McCormack, Beeden, Smith, Tindle, Preece, Jones, Roberts (Ferguson 46), Edwards (Ballinger 78), Pook, Guthrie.

Subs not used: Osman, Pawley, Porter.

Referee: Ben Cobb (Poole.

Attendance: 314

Red card: Oyibo, foul, 54 min