THE Bluebirds moved up to second in the league after clinching victory in Northamptonshire.

The match was delayed by five minutes as Chippenham had arrived only half an hour before kick off and also Kettering keeper Jamie McAlindon was injured in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Enol Ordonez.

Chippenham keeper Kent Kauppinen was forced to save a seventh-minute effort from Dubi Ogbonna. At the other end Ashan Holgate failed to take advantage from a well-positioned Bluebirds free kick.

Just past the quarter of an hour mark Andy Sandell’s shot was blocked by Kettering’s James Brighton and the resulting corner saw Sandell head wide.

Iain Harvey, making his first start of the season, saw his 20th-minute optimistic effort go over the bar, and he quickly followed up with another effort that Ordonez saved.

Holgate’s cross-cum-shot hit the bar and James Guthrie’s follow-up shot was blocked. Ordonez then held an effort from Alex Ferguson.

Kauppinen then pulled of a series of good saves first clawing out a header from Gary Mulligan and then twice saving Jevani Brown’s stinging shots.

Chippenham took the lead three minutes before the break when James Guthrie’s free kick was stabbed home by Greg Tindle.

After the break Sandell’s shot was deflected to Ordonez and the home keeper then did well to parry his free kick.

Kettering’s Elliot Sandy’s shot was just past the post.

Just past the hour mark Sandell scored Chippenham’s second and his eighth of the season after Sandy lost possession in midfield and Guthrie crossed for Sandell to hit his eighth goal of the season.

On 74 minutes Ogbonna pulled a goal back for Kettering when he got between the home defenders to roll the ball home.

As the heavy rain caused pools to appear on the pitch fluent passing became more difficult as the Bluebirds held on for the three points.

Chippenham: Kent Kauppinen, Iain Harvey, Jon Beeden, Michael Pook, Greg Tindle, Mark Preece, Alex Ferguson, Matt Smith, Ashan Holgate, Andy Sandell, James Guthrie.

Subs not used: Matt Jones, Scott Bevan, Ryan Campbell, Luke Ballinger.

Kettering: Enol Ordenez Oliver Thorne (Andy Gooding, 36), Steve Kinniburgh (Saul Williams 66) , Brett Solkhon (c), Gary Mulligan, Dominic Langdon, Dubi Ogbonna, James Brighton, Courtney Baker-Richardson, Jevani Brown, Elliot Sandy (Will Grocott 59).

Subs not used: Richard Bryan, Will Grocott, Justin Marsden.

Attendance: 423