Chippenham Town's bête noire this season has been the amount of games they have drawn - this goalless affair in Devon last night being their fourteenth of the season.

In truth, lady luck deserted them as they outplayed their relegation threatened hosts and the ecstatic cheering of the home supporters at the final whistle said it all.

The pattern of the match was set as early as the first minute when Lewis Powell’s smart shot from outside of the area was spilled by keeper Ryan Draper.

The ball flew into the air but Draper was able to claim it unchallenged.

As the half went on, Powell’s low cross into the area fell to Sam Allison and he tried to place his close range effort but the ball flew past the angle of post and bar.

Powell saw another effort go off target whilst the half closed with a trio of shots from Scott Lye - one was deflected wide, another was wide and Draper held the third.

Luck did however favour Chippenham on 37 minutes when Ian Sampson was fouled by Nathan Rudge as he raced through.

Rudge, returning to the club where he served eight seasons, escaped with a yellow card as the referee judged Ashley Williams was level with Rudge and hence not the last defender.

Tiverton were mainly restricted to off target long-range efforts in the first half, although Joe Bushin’s overhead kick and a more conventional shot did force Chris Snoddy into action.

The second half belonged solely to Chippenham with Williams’ shot being saved by Draper’s leg, before Luke Gullick’s low shot appeared to be heading for the corner of the net before a home defender’s boot deflected it for a corner at the last minute.

As Chippenham continued to press, the best chance of the half saw Alan Griffin flick a headed effort to Powell.

With his back to goal, Powell swiveled and shot but unfortunately for the Bluebirds, Draper had positioned himself to gather.

Bottom of the table Tivvy finally managed their first shot of the half on 90 minutes, but Bushin’s 30 yard effort was as many yards off target.

After ten seasons of rivalry, these sides are unlikely to meet next season; the odds being more likely on the Devon side being relegated than Chippenham’s promotion as the Bluebirds are now six points off the play-off places, having used up their game in hand.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Chris Snoddy, James Martin, Shaun Lamb, Ashley Williams, Steve Casey, Nathan Rudge, Scott Lye, Luke Gullick, Lewis Powell, Alan Griffin, Sam Allison (Ryan O’Hara 79).

Subs not used: James Guthrie, Iain Harvey, Alex Kite, Matteo King.

Attendance: 210