CHIPPENHAM'S striker jinx again came to the fore as Mark Francis and Darren Edwards both had to withdraw due to illness.

The match came to life on the hour mark when respective skippers Matt Coupe and the visitors' former Birmingham City man Darren Purse were both shown a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident at a Chippenham corner.

A further controversial decision by referee Brian Durie saw Chesham take the lead on 75 minutes from a disputed Toby Little free kick that found its way into the net.

Greg Tindle deservedly earned Chippenham a point with a far post header from Luke Ballinger’s deep cross three minutes into stoppage time.

In the first half the Bluebirds were indebted to keeper Kent Kauppinen, who pulled off three impressive saves, twice tipping goalbound efforts over the bar while also blocking Ryan Blake’s near post effort.

Chippenham’s best effort of the opening half saw James Guthrie’s free kick graze the outside of a post.

Chippenham also went close on the hour when Guthrie’s free kick saw Alex Ferguson’s header superbly saved by Shane Gore and from Guthrie’s flag-kick, following the sending offs a goal mouth melee saw the ball strike the woodwork.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, McCormack, Beeden (Campbell 72), Coupe, Tindle, Preece, Ferguson, Smith, Roberts, Ballinger, Guthrie .

Subs not used: Pook, Osman.

Referee: Brian Durie (Tewkesbury)

Attendance: 328