- Babalola (17', 57')
- Faal (45+4', 51')
- McClure (33')
That defeat saw the Rebels surrender top spot in National League South to their opponents by virtue of an inferior goal difference.
Elsewhere Dorking Wanderers and Torquay United both dropped points, while a big win for Eastbourne Borough means the destination of the title remains anyone’s guess with the top 5 separated by just 3 points.
The opposition
The Bluebirds are enjoying their eighth successive season in National League South, finishing 13th on three occasions.
Their standout campaign came in 2021/22 when they were narrowly beaten by Ebbsfleet United in the play-off semi-final, following a 7th place finish.
They currently find themselves in 15th place in the table, needing just a point from their remaining fixtures to mathematically guarantee another season at the level – however, it would take something monumental for them to suffer relegation and the more glass half full among their fans could be eyeing a top ten finish, with Hemel Hempstead who currently occupy that position currently, just six points better off.
So far this season they have amassed nine more points from away matches than they have home, winning 9 of the 21 fixtures on the road.
Manager
Bluebirds boss Gary Horgan is in his third full season in charge having being appointed at the tail end of the 2021/22 season. He previously had two spells as a player at Hardenhuish Park.
Form
Their only win in the last six was a narrow victory over relegated Weymouth, ending a run of comprehensive defeats to Torquay United (1-3), Eastbourne Borough (1-4), Truro City (0-3) and Maidstone United (0-3), four of the top 7. However they have only conceded once in their last three outings.
Last 6
W1 D1 L4 F2 A11
8 March – Eastbourne Borough (A) – Lost 1-4
11 March – Truro City (H) – Lost 0-3
15 March – Maidstone United (A) – Lost 0-3
22 March – Weymouth (H) – Won 1-0
29 March – Enfield Town (A) – Drew 0-0
5 April – Chelmsford City (H) – Lost 0-1
Previous Meetings
The first ever meeting of the two clubs came in the Rebels’ run to the FA Cup first round in 1999. They overcame the Wiltshire outfit in the third qualifying round but needed a replay to do so.
The clubs wouldn’t meet again until our promotion to National League South three years ago. After a 1-1 home draw with Dover on the opening day, Chippenham were the visitors for the second home match of the season, where the two sides played out a goalless draw.
Ollie Pearce’s second half hat-trick inspired a 3-1 win at Woodside Road last March, while the reverse fixture this season ended in a dramatic 3-2 victory, courtesy of Joe Cook’s injury time winner.
Manager’s Preview
Chris Agutter has described this as the first of ‘four cup finals’ and says it’s ‘all or nothing’ in terms of the title run-in, admitting his side can’t afford to drop any points if they want to be champions.
Team News
Agutter should have his attacking options boosted by the return of Mo Faal, who was absent through illness last time out.
Joe Cook was withdrawn at half time during the defeat to Truro City but is available for selection.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate for tomorrow’s match. Supporters are strongly advised to purchase in advance to both guarantee entry and speed up queues at the turnstiles.
Prices are as follows:
Adults: £17
Concession: £13
Under-16: £7
Under-12: £4
Under-6: Free entry
How to Follow
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the action via live updates from the club’s official X/Twitter account. You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service.
