Cheshunt left Hardenhuish Park stunned after a contentious penalty decision in added time denied them three much needed points.

With the wind whistling across a sloping pitch, the Ambers got off to a great start in the 2nd minute when Issac Pitblado crossed to Ken Charles who’s header was spectactularly tipped over the crossbar by keeper Will Henry. A couple of minutes later a jinking run by Leyton Orient loanee Zech Obieri, making his first start, came to Tyrelle Newton who tapped the ball into the net. Nine minutes later it was 2-0 to the Ambers when a long clearance found Ken Charles who’s run and bobbling cross eventually found Zack Newton who steered it home. Soon after, a diving header by Raul Da Silva struck the woodwork with the big defender colliding with the post as he fell. Still recovering, he was out of position as Joe Hanks pulled one back for the home side and was substituted for Taylor McKenzie immediately after.

Hanks then prodded home an equaliser in the 36th minute.Cheshunt restored their lead five minutes later, when Chippenham failed to clear a corner, with the ball falling to Lewis Hobbs for an easy tap in. Deep in added time, Hanks pounced on a rebound off Preston Edwards to make it 3-3 at the interval.

In the second half, the game calmed somewhat before, in the 69th minute, skipper Manny Maja found Ken Charles who pushed the ball past Henry to put Cheshunt in the lead for the third time. Chippenham pressed with two penalty decisions being waived away by Referee Ross Martin along with a shot by Bradbury whizzing over the bar. With five minutes added on, a long hopeful cross saw Bradbury run and collide with Ambers full-back Billy Cracknell on the edge of the box and win a penalty. Matt McClure scored to make the final score 4-4, much to the despair of the Cheshunt players and support

Extended highlights courtesy of Chippenham Town are available here https://chippenhamtown.com/video/chippenham-town-vs-cheshunt-national-league-south-highlights-sat-18th-feb-2023/