CHIPPENHAM Town returned from Berkshire with a hard-earned but deserved three points as they moved to second in the table against fifth-placed Slough with another goal from leading scorer Andy Sandell.

The opening half hour saw the home side dominate the game as Chippenham grappled to come to terms with the 4G surface, but once the Bluebirds came to terms with Slough's crisp passing game and rebuffed their early threat, it was the Wiltshire side who went on to carve out the greater chances.

Slough started strongly with James Dobson hitting the side netting. The Bluebirds rode their luck as a low cross evaded Darren Chitty but after pinging about near the line, the ball popped up into his arms.

Gavin James then saw his goalbound shot blocked by returning defender Will Richards.

On 19 minutes a long clearance put Sandell clear of the home defence but Mark Scott came to the edge of his area to reach up people and block his attempted lob.

Slough's Nathan Webb and Sandell both wasted further chances, but as Chippenham came more into the game Matt Smith hit the side netting and also saw a rising shot just clear the bar.

In first-half stoppage time Chippenham had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Dave Pratt appeared to be fouled in the area.

After the interval Slough substitute Lewis Putman saw his free kick deflect behind.

The all important goal came from a 50th-minute Matt Jones corner which the home defence failed to clear and Sandell converted at the far post.

Seven minutes later Nuno Felix's superb cross was a whisker away from the in rushing strikers whilst Simon Dunn headed wide for the Rebels when well placed.

Six minutes from time Chitty superbly turned substitute Charlie Moone's shot onto the bar and behind for a fruitless corner.

The Bluebirds stopper produced an even better save in stoppage time as he somehow reached a curling shot from Chris Flood that was heading for the top corner.

Slough substitute James Granger then shot woefully wide and as Slough committed men forward Pratt broke free but his shot from a tight angle rolled wide of the far post.

A 94th-minute free kick then saw home keeper Scott join the attack but to no avail as Chippenham held out.

Chippenham: Chitty, Bowman, Felix, Horgan, Tindle, Richards, Ferguson, Smith (McClennan 68), Pratt, Sandell, Jones (Guthrie 72).

Subs not used: Matteus, Pook, Beeden.

Referee: Damith Bandara

Attendance: 753