A CASE of mistaken identity couldn’t spoil Sam Allison’s Chippen-ham Town testimonial as the Bluebirds drew 1-1 with Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

The 29-year-old came off the bench in the second-half and set up Lewis Powell’s equaliser but it was the introduction of his cousin Sim Allison two minutes earlier that drew the rapturous acclaim of the crowd.

Allison, who raised around £650 from the gates at Saturday’s game, was introduced two minutes later and Chippenham’s longest-serving player wasn’t upset by the fans failure to recognise him.

“I loved it – at the end of the day, he’s my little cousin and we do look similar,” he said.

“It just sums it all up because at a club like this, the banter is unbelievable. It brings the lads together and makes you want to stick around for as long as possible.

“I was happy that it was a good, competitive match because Forest Green were a good unit and they played the right way.

“I thought that some of my mates that played did really well and it just shows that over the years, Chippen-ham’s always had some of the best players in the area.”

As well as Allison’s cousin, a host of former Bluebirds ran out at Hardenhuish Park, including Kye Holly, Kevin Halliday, Alex Kite and Frome Town’s Jamie Cheeseman.

Chippenham manager Adie Mings was pleased for his veteran forward.

“I had a little speech in the dressing room about Sam and his attributes,” he said.

“I believe that he’s one player that should have forged out a league career. He was an England schoolboy but for whatever reason it never happened.

“When he’s on his game, he unplayable. He’s been fantastic to work with, he’s good to have around the dressing room and he’s been an asset to Chippenham Town.”

ON TUESDAY night, Lewis Powell’s early goal wasn’t enough to stop Chippenham losing 2-1 at Hellenic League Premier Division outfit Highworth Town.

The Bluebirds’ final friendly is away to Almondsbury Town on Friday night.

TO COMMEMORATE the tenth anniversary of Chippen-ham’s FA Vase final at Wembley, the Road to Wembley DVD, costing £5, is now available to buy on matchdays or from Robin Foster on 07855264749.