A BATTLING performance where only the result mattered saw depleted Chippenham move into the next round of the FA Cup with the narrowest of victories at current FA Vase holders Sholing.

Already without eight players for a variety of reasons, Chippenham's squad had been reduced further in midweek with Ellis Dunton's decision to return to Cirencester Town.

Then in the warm-up, Alex Ferguson, who had received a head injury in the midweek defeat to Weymouth, declared himself unfit.

His place was taken by Iain Harvey, who set up the winning goal after seven minutes as he played a quick free kick to makeshift striker Jordan Roberts.

Roberts played the ball across goal, cutting out home keeper Matt Brown, leaving Luke Ballinger to slot the ball home.

The remainder of the half saw keeper Brown pull off a magnificent close-range save to deny Conor McCormack after the chance had been created for the Bluebirds full-back by a bout of head tennis from Greg Tindle and Roberts.

Sholing always threatened an equaliser but they lacked a clinical finish in the box, although Kent Kauppinen had to be alert to tip over a Kevin Brewster free kick.

After the break Chippenham defended their lead and restricted the Hampshire side to just one chance.

New Bluebirds recruit Michael Pook headed straight at Brown from a James Guthrie corner, and the latter also saw his shot beaten away by the home keeper.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, McCormack, Beeden, Smith, Tindle, Monks, Harvey (Simpson 80), Roberts, Pook, Ballinger, Guthrie.

Subs not used: Wright, Pawley, Coupe.

Referee: Jim Paterson (Camberley).

Attendance: 132.

Yellow cards: Byrne (foul 38).

REACTION TO CHIPPENHAM'S WIN AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT AND IN THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND WILTSHIRE TIMES