AFTER their midweek point at Kings Langley was described by manager Mark Collier as a 'robbery', the Bluebirds pulled off an even better heist as they returned from Warwickshire with all three points after a first-half showing that saw them second best.

In truth, the Bluebirds put up a much-improved display after the break but, as they were in the first half, they were thankful that Darren Chitty came out on top against home striker Mike Taylor.

The wiry and lively Stratford front man must still be wondering how he didn't open the scoring inside ninety seconds when he met Will Growcott's free kick from close in and his downward header looked a goal all the way until Chitty appeared from nowhere to turn it aside.

Stratford then went on to have the better of the next 40 minutes but two Growcott efforts and a long-range volley from George Forsyth on loan from Kidderminster Harriers all failed to trouble Chitty.

Chippenham had two worthwhile efforts in the first half Andy Sandell's shot curled wide and his free kick after Dave Pratt's burst had been unfairly halted was superbly saved by Niall Cooper.

After the break Matt Jones's shot was deflected for a corner whilst Sandell's free kick was also headed behind and Dan Bowman's shot was deflected of a defender to Cooper.

Just before the hour mark the tenacious Taylor got the better of two defenders but his close range shot was superbly beaten out by Chitty and the loose ball was crossed for Forsyth's header to land on top of the net.

Further Stratford pressure saw both Forsyth and Taylor fail to hit the target with headed efforts.

On 76 minutes Matt Smith's shot was blocked by Cooper at his near post before substitute Joe McClennan cut in but shot wide.

On 81 minutes a free kick from substitute James Guthrie was met by a Sandell header but it was headed off the line.

The all-important goal came two minutes later when Liam Francis needlessly fouled Pratt on the edge of the area and Sandell gave Cooper no chance with the resulting penalty.

Chippenham: Chitty, Bowman, Felix, Horgan, Baggridge, Richards, Ferguson (Pook 89),Smith (McClennan78), Pratt, Sandell, Jones (Guthrie 67).

Subs not used: Beeden, Andrews.

Referee: Greg Rollason.

Attendance: 236