CHIPPENHAM Town’s impressive cup form didn’t translate to the Red Insure Cup earlier tonight as an experimental Bluebirds line-up were knocked out by Paulton Rovers.

James Guthrie made his comeback from a broken hand while there were starts for youngsters Jordan Coulter, Shane Blackmore and Ben Wickens.

Lee Phillips was also involved from the beginning but ten minutes in, Chippenham were dealt a blow as the striker picked up a groin injury as he was challenged by Paulton’s Stuart Tovey, leaving him a doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Gloucester City.

On the 20 minute mark, the visitors went ahead when Craig Loxton’s cross from the right flank was turned in at the near post by a deft touch from James Billing.

12 minutes later, Paulton got their second of the evening when the ball broke to Charlie Rich, who raced towards goal before squaring to midfielder Ben Osman, the twin brother of Chippenham’s Toby.

Bluebirds goalie Ben John got a touch to Osman’s shot but it wasn’t enough to prevent the effort finding the target.

Just before half-time, Tyrone Mings flashed a dangerous cross into the Paulton area and Luke Ballinger just failed to touch it in at the far post.

Chippenham improved in the second period but they struggled to create any clear cut chances until they had the ball in the net 67 minutes in.

Clayton Fortune poked the ball home after keeper Kyle Phillips fumbled a corner kick delivery but the linesman’s flag was up for a foul on the Rovers man.

The Bluebirds had a penalty shout turned down when substitute Ryan Campbell appeared to be tugged back on the edge of the area and the visitors then went down the other end and won a spot-kick of their own.

Loxton sent Ben Lacey running into the box and the Paulton man went down under the challenge of Shane Blackmore, with referee Lewis Price pointing to the spot.

But Chippenham’s John showed great agility to dive to his right and claw away the resulting spot kick from Loxton.

But minutes later, Rovers did make it 3-0 when Osman whipped a free kick into the area from the right wing, which was deflected past a helpless John off a blue shirt.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Ben John, Shane Blackmore, Tyrone Mings, Clayton Fortune, Toby Osman, Scott Rogers (Lee Himsworth 58), Jordan Coulter, Luke Ballinger, Ben Wickens, James Guthrie (Ryan Campbell 56), Lee Phillips (Charlie Austin 11).

Subs not used: Daniel Heavey.

Attendance: 145