LUKE Ballinger netted against his former club to send Chippenham Town past old rivals Frome Town at the second time of asking in the first qualifying round replay at Hardenhuish Park last night.

Ballinger struck just before the hour mark to settle the tie, although Frome - now managed by Nick Bunyard - were pressing late on.

Home keeper Kent Kauppinen had to be alert to tip a cross from Sam Teal out from under his crossbar, followed by a regulation save from Darren Jefferies shortly after.

The 14th minute saw Jefferies cut in from the right wing and go through four challenges before shooting high and wide from 15 yards and Frome were close to taking the lead in the 22nd minute as. following a corner, Joe Tumelty hit a low cross into the penalty area only for Steve Hulbert to glance his diving header just wide of the far post.

Chippenham started the second half the quicker but a few minutes later, a Jefferies free kick was headed firmly back across the home gaol by Teale.

Chippenham took the lead in the 59th minute as a diagonal move across the Frome box found Ballinger with a couple of yards of space and as the defence rushed to close him down, he hit a swerving shot the outside of his right foot to beat Darren Chitty.

A perfectly-timed slide tackle from Kris Miller just prevented Ollie Taylor from getting a shot in, then Frome substitute Jamie Horgan let fly with a 20-yard shot that Kauppinen could only parry away.

In the 75th minute, a fine run and shot by Sibbick brought another parry that led to Jefferies having a shot saved before Kauppinen managed to thwart Ricky Hulbert’s close-range effort to maintain Chippenham’s slender lead.

Frome Town have terminated Jack Vallis' contract by mutual consent.

Vallis said: “I’ve loved my time at Frome Town and was treated really well right up to the end.  I’d like to thank the fans and the board for their support over the last couple of seasons and I genuinely wish the Club all the best for the future and I hope that one day I will be able to return as I have really enjoyed my time with Frome”.

Vallis made 64 appearances for the Robins and scored eight times following a move from Gillingham Town.