An equaliser with virtually the last kick of the match from skipper Joel Colbran ensured Worthing’s unbeaten home record remained intact, in a completely uncharacteristic performance from the hosts.

The Reds commenced the contest as expected, controlled proceedings and forced a corner within the opening 30 seconds.

A clever corner routine saw Sam Packham disguise a pass to the edge of the box, where Teddy Jenks was left unmarked. Tuesday night’s hero connected sweetly with a sweeping strike, but the ball flew into the palms of Chippenham ‘keeper Will Henry.

From that moment on, the visitors, who started the day at the bottom of the National League South table, surprised the majority of spectators in the Sussex Transport Community Stadium and caused plenty of issues for the Reds.

The frontline were pressing with intent and forced the backline and goalkeeper into numerous errors in possession.

With just eight minutes on the clock, Chippenham struck first through Sol Wanjau-Smith. A cross from the right wasn’t dealt with by a flat-footed defence and allowed the versatile Englishman  to sneak in and convert past Josh Jeffries from close-range on the slide.

The Rebels really struggled to find a foothold in proceedings and lacked synergy in possession. Gary Horgan’s side were well-drilled and their resistance proved challenging to break down.

Another set-piece almost restored parity, with Shiloh Remy’s low volley repelled by the feet of Henry.

Midway through the first period, the upright prevented Harry Ransom from finding an equaliser. Jack Spong’s floated corner from the right was met by the former Sutton United defender, but kissed the base of the post from eight-yards out.  A reprieve for the visitors, who were defending like their lives depended upon it.

Other than a chance for Billy Phillips that was blazed over, the first half had very little highlights. The referee’s whistle signalled an end to a frustrating 45 in West Sussex.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with a bright yet fleeting boost of energy from the hosts being swiftly cancelled out. Ollie Godziemski had the ball in the net, but it didn’t count as the referee spotted an earlier infringement from Joe Cook on goalkeeper Will Henry. A speculative effort from Jake Evans then sailed over before more positive play from Wanjau-Smith caused issues for the defence.

It took 20 minutes for the hosts to register their first shot on target of the second half as Jenks burst into the box. However, Henry raced off his line to close down the effort, with the midfielder unable to connect with the required purchase.

Adam Hinshelwood made a triple alteration in search of a uplift of impetus, with Odei, Nathan Odokonyero and Kwaku Frimpong all entering the pitch. Minutes later, an enforced change occurred with Ransom unable to continue. Matt Burgess took his place on the field.

However, before those introductions had a chance to impact the scoreline, disaster struck. Colbran’s misplaced pass was picked up by Ezio Touray, who composed himself before slotting past a helpless Jeffries with his first touches since coming on.

The concession of a second goal ignited a reaction from the hosts, with the aforementioned substitutes influencing the switch in momentum. Jenks fired straight at Henry, while Odokonyero blasted an effort into the side netting.

It would be the latter who struck to give his side a lifeline after a great combination with Frimpong. A cute flick from the number four created a yard of space for the striker and his finish squirmed past Henry with just two minutes of normal time remaining.

Eight additional minutes sparked a rallying cry from the stands, with supporters sensing late drama.

Odokonyero thought he had netted once again in the 92nd minute, but his bundled effort on the rebound from Burgess’ venomous drive  bounced agonisingly wide of the post.

However, there would be a late twist as Colbran made amends for his earlier error with a late equaliser in the dying embers. More excellent work from Frimpong, as the midfielder delivered a searching pass that evaded the Chippenham backline and was deftly poked home by the captain. Chippenham were distraught. Worthing, relieved.

There wasn’t time for a miraculous winner as the referee’s whistle reverberated round Woodside Road. A point will have to do for Worthing, with the league leaders enjoying a clear week of preparation before a trip to Salisbury next weekend.