CHIPPENHAM Town kicked off their 2019-20 pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw away at Frome Town at the weekend.

The Bluebirds took the lead through a Kieran Parselle header before former Chippenham player Matt Smith levelled the scores before the break.

There was to be no further scoring in the second 45 as the hosts opted to sit in and defend their area resolutely from wave after wave of Chippenham attacks.

Bluebirds boss Mark Collier revealed Frome Town manager Danny Greaves apologised for his side’s set up, but the Chippenham boss felt the exercise served its purpose for his side and reflected on a degree of rustiness throughout the attacking third.

Chippenham travel to Cirencester Town on Saturday July 20 before visiting heading to Royal Wootton Bassett to take on Mark’s son Sam’s Hellenic League outfit on Tuesday July 23.

The National League South club will also take on Richard Fey’s Melksham Town on Saturday July 27.

The Bluebirds are also due to take on Newport County before their league season gets underway with details for the scheduled fixture to be announced in the coming days.