DEPLETED Chippenham Town were soundly beaten by Cambridge City who scored from an early penalty and added further goals just past the half hour and 20 minutes from time before Matt Smith hit a consolation for the Bluebirds.

Apart from several long-term injuries, Chippenham were also without the injured duo of Alex Ferguson and Andy Sandell, whilst Michael Pook withdrew shortly before kick off.

Also missing was skipper Greg Tindle, who was suffering from illness and Luke Ballinger, who was away on futsal duty.

The Bluebirds made the worst possible start, with Mark Preece fouling Joel Norris in the area after just 25 seconds with Josh Dawkin hitting home the resultant penalty.

The next 23 minutes saw little goalmouth action until Kent Kauppinen easily held a shot from Norris who slipped in the act of shooting.

On 27 minutes, Alan Griffin volleyed home but his effort was ruled out for offside. Norris doubled the lead six minutes later when Norris gave Kauppinen no chance with a shot from the edge of the area.

Before the interval, Matt Jones failed to find the target with two efforts from distance.

After half time, John Kyriacou's long-range effort was held by Kauppinen.

At the other end, Harry Grant shot wide whilst Ryan Campbell's shot-cum-cross from out wide landed on top of the net.

On 63 minutes, Preece headed wide at a corner and six minutes later Griffin headed James Guthrie's cross straight into the arms of Zac Barrett.

Cambridge hit their third on 71 minutes when Ieuan Lewis beat Kauppinen to the ball to poke home.

Two minutes later, Smith hit a consolation for the Bluebirds but after conceding so early, it was never going to be their night, as illustrated by a late off target effort from Griffin and a long-range shot from Guthrie that was easily saved.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Smith, Grant, Bevan (Diouf 78), Blackmore, Preece, Allen, Guthrie, Griffin, Campbell (Taylor 58), Jones.

Subs not used: Charlie Norman, Jamie Norman.

Attendance: 242