CHIPPENHAM Town's Wizard of Oz has been casting his own brand of magic at the start of this season and he admits his performances have even surprised himself.

Australian Matthew McEntegart moved to Hardenhuish from Cirencester Town in the summer, having never played in central midfield before, but just two games into his Chippenham career it is as though he has played there all his life.

McEntegart, 20, joined the club as a central defender but after being converted into a midfielder by Steve White, he revealed he is enjoying himself more than ever.

He said: "It has been really good so far. I am really enjoying playing in centre midfield as it is very different to where I normally play.

"In midfield you get involved in the game a lot more and because I am anaerobically fit, it is quite easy for me to get up and down the pitch.

"If I can improve a bit on the ball I am sure I will be fine because I really enjoy tackling anyway.

"I have to admit I didn't think I would be able to play in midfield because I am not the best on the ball but things are going well at the moment and hopefully it will continue like this."

After moving from Adelaide to England in 2000, McEntegart joined Southend United on a non-contract basis but has spent the last three years coming through the ranks at Cirencester.

He is now cementing his place as a first team regular at Chippenham but he believes he has a lot to thank his new team-mates for.

He said: "With the players around me in midfield it is hard not to play well because they are so good on the ball.

"Steve has told me my job is to stop the opponents playing and then make a simple pass to one of our players.

"Mark Badman and Scott Walker are great to have around because I know all I have to do is give the ball to them and they will create something.

"We have made a great start to the season but we need to make sure we keep it going against Rugby tomorrow and at Team Bath on Monday."

Steve White believes McEntegart has all the signs of making a consistent midfielder.

White said: "Midfield is the only place I have played him and he has been absolutely fantastic so far.

"He can run the 1,500m in four minutes 20 seconds, is 6ft 2ins and can pass the ball accurately with his left foot.

"To me he is a midfielder but it is also good to have a versatile player as he could fill in anywhere."