CHIPPENHAM Town conceded a league double to Banbury United, but it wasn't for the want of trying.

For long periods the Bluebirds were the better side and, after going in at the break two goals down, they came out in the second half with substitute Alan Griffin making a three-pronged attack and laid siege to the home goal but could only manage a solitary response from Will Richards.

Chippenham were the first to show after seven minutes as Andy Sandell just failed to convert a cross from Matt Smith.

Four minutes later Nuno Felix found Alex Ferguson but he sliced his effort wide from a good position.

Banbury's first effort came just after the quarter hour mark when the very impressive Conor McDonagh, on loan from Oxford United, saw his shot smothered by Darren Chitty.

The Puritans took the lead on 18 minutes when a ball over the top found McDonagh, who despite looking off side, went on to slide the ball past Chitty.

Chippenham responded immediately with a spectacular effort from Felix that was touched over by Jack Harding.

A long throw then ended with James Guthrie firing wide, it was Guthrie's last action of the game as he hobbled off after a challenge by former Chippenham player George Nash, to be replaced by Matt Jones.

Banbury doubled their lead on thirty eight minutes when the Bluebirds lost possession on the halfway line.

The ball was moved swiftly forward to McDonagh who saw Chitty get a hand to his near-post effort but the ball rebounded off Greg Tindle and into the net for an own goal.

In first half stoppage time McDonagh almost added to his tally when his free kick was touched over the bar by Chitty.

On 54 minutes Griffin's back header saw Sandell's touch hacked away whilst Ferguson's shot was saved by Harding.

Just past the hour mark Griffin turned superbly in the area but unfortunately his shot went straight to the Banbury stopper.

Chippenham halved the deficit on 65 minutes when Richards netted for the second match in succession when he headed home a corner from substitute Matt Jones.

Chippenham strived for an equaliser but it wasn't their night as Pratt's cross flashed across the goalmouth and then his overhead kick was just too high.

In stoppage time the Bluebirds had one last chance but Smith's header was blocked on the line by Marvin Martin.

Chippenham: Chitty, Preece (Griffin 46), Felix, Horgan (Pook 71), Tindle, Richards, Ferguson, Smith, Pratt, Sandell, Guthrie (Jones 34).

Subs not used: Campbell, Allen.

Referee: Mark Howes (Solihull).

Attendance: 300