AFTER taking a second half lead, Chippenham Town went down three minutes from time when Jon Beeden conceded a controversial penalty with the ball already appearing to have gone out for a goal kick.

The Northamptonshire side made all the early running but could not find a way past Kent Kauppinen in the Bluebirds’ goal.

Mark Collier’s men threatened with two long throws from Michael Pook, with Mark Preece and Matt Coupe both unable to head past Paul Walker whilst after the break, Corby’s Spencer Weir-Daley and Elliott Chamberlain were both denied by Kauppinen.

At the other end, Luke Ballinger dragged his shot wide of a post with only Walker to beat.

On 53 minutes, Alex Ferguson gave Chippenham the lead when Ballinger’s cross saw Jack Odam’s shot beaten out by Walker but Ferguson was on hand to fire a low shot past the home keeper.

Ten minutes later, Weir-Daley made amends for his earlier misses when he latched onto Paul Malone’s flick to equalise.

Walker again saved Corby with a fine stop, before substitute Tommy Wright twice went close for Corby as his efforts were deflected wide by the Bluebirds.

But Chippenham then conceded an 87th minute penalty in controversial circumstances and despite their protests, the spot kick stood and was subsequently converted by Greg Mills to leave Collier’s side with a bitter taste in the mouth.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Kent Kauppinen, Conor McCormack, Jon Beeden, Matt Coupe (C), Bryan Smith, Mark Preece, Alex Ferguson, Michael Pook, Ashan Holgate, Luke Ballinger (Jordan Roberts 75), Jack Odam.

Subs not used: Ryan Campbell, Iain Harvey, Toby Osman.

Attendance: 521