CHIPPENHAM Town kept their slim play off hopes alive with a resounding victory in Cambridgeshire with three second-half goals earning the three points tonight.

Alex Ferguson saw his second-minute shot well saved by Zak Barrett, whilst Matt Jones and Oli Taylor both failed to find the target with early efforts.

Jones then saw his free kick held by Barrett whilst a further effort failed to find the target.

After Kent Kauppinen pulled off a fine double save Barrett again thwarted the Bluebirds with a fine save to deny Alec Fiddes.

Three minutes after the break the Bluebirds were awarded a penalty that was converted by Ben Whitehead for his first goal in a Bluebirds' shirt.

After the hosts squandered a golden chance to equalise, Chippenham made them pay on 63 minutes when Oli Taylor tapped home after Ferguson's shot had rebounded to him off a post.

Matt Smith had a chance to make it three but fired over the bar, however he made amends 12 minutes from time when Fiddes cross was cleared to him and he fired home to make the game safe for the Bluebirds.

In the final minutes Cambridge wasted two good chances to get on the score sheet whilst Chippenham substitute Alan Griffin fired wide.

The Bluebirds are now three points behind Hungerford, who occupy the final play-off spot and who have a game in hand.

Mark Collier's men go to third-placed Redditch on Saturday.

Chippenham: Kauppinen Henry, Beeden, Fiddes, Tindle, Preece, Ferguson, Smith (Smith 81), Taylor (Griffin 74), Whitehead (Ballinger 74), Jones.

Subs not used: Allen, Grant.

Referee: Anthony Pope.

Attendance: 121