CHIPPENHAM Town beat Hampton & Richmond Borough 3-2 in National League South on Saturday as they brought a six-game winless streak to an end in an enthralling game at Hardenhuish Park.

The Bluebirds opened up a three-goal lead before a penalty save and two late goals from the visitors ensured a nervy finish for Mark Collier's side, who hadn’t won a game all month.

Karnell Chambers netted Chippenham’s first before Will Richards’ header doubled the advantage before half-time. Nat Jarvis grabbed the third before Borough started their fightback.

Will House – whose loan is coming to an end after the Bath City game next week – saved a penalty to deny Borough a second goal, however, a wonder strike two minutes from time set Chippenham nerves on edge.

However, the home side held out for three valuable points and manager Collier was delighted his side were able to show enough character to see out the result.

He said: “It was good win off the back of another good draw against Bath in a tough game on Boxing Day. You expect that at this level so we’re glad to get the three points.

“We had a three-goal lead, but Hampton fought back and got a late goal which has caused a bit of a scare at the end, but we’ve managed to see it through for three big points.

“We should have closed it out earlier, for sure. We got a little bit deep and we put on the extra midfield player to stop them passing through us which invited pressure.

“It causes concern when you’ve got three or four minutes to go and they’re throwing people forward and their big centre-backs are up front, but we’ve managed to see it through and when you score three goals at home you should win most games.”

Chippenham’s last win came at home to Wealdstone on November 17 and as a result, the Bluebirds have slipped down to 12th the table.

But Collier is hoping their last two games have helped to turn the mood at the club around is hoping 2019 can bring safety from relegation and possibly even a play-off push.

He said: “The win lifts the whole place. You go into the bar afterwards and there’s a buzz about it.

“Every point has to be fought for and we’re really pleased with the win today.

“We’re closing in on the points target that would ensure we retain our status in the league – that was our key objective at the start of the season – so once we’ve reached that we’ll push on.”

Chippenham travel to local rivals Bath City on New Year's Day.