Chippenham Town 1, Redditch United 2

Redditch United made it three consecutive wins in the league as they left an extremely gusty Chippenham Town with maximum points.

The rampant Reds had hit 23 goals in the last three games in all competitions, but last night was all about the result as they ground out a win in tricky conditions for an early league double over the Bluebirds.

Jermaine Hylton and Jamie Spencer struck either side of half-time for Liam McDonald’s men, who held on despite a last minute consolation from Alan Griffin.

Chippenham’s right-back Conor McCormack enjoyed an eye-catching night, and his early 30-yard strike needed tipping over by Sam Hornby.

Ashley Sammons shot narrowly wide on 15 minutes after the home defence had stood firm to deny Hylton and Spencer a way through.

The Reds took the lead five minutes later, a mixture of heaving wind conditions and the pace of Hylton had prompted a deep Chippenham defensive line. A speculative Redditch hoof forwards was caught up in the elements and chased down by Hylton. Home goalkeeper Kent Kauppinen met the ball on the edge of his area but could only head tamely away and before he was able to react, Hylton finished smartly into the empty net from 15 yards.

Greg Tindle and Luke Ballinger both had efforts before half-time but the hosts were unable to get much change out of a resolute visiting backline.

Redditch’s second all but finished off the hosts as McDonald’s side enjoyed a typically ferocious second period.

On 59 minutes the move of the night involving Simeon Maye and Jordan Jones resulted in Sammons knocking in a lovely cross for impressive substitute Spencer who found the net with a fine near-post header.

Redditch were again in the mood and Sammons would have been on the scoresheet if for a better touch with 15 minutes to play before Carline’s 20-yard strike whistled over and Hylton was rather unbelievably denied a penalty after being pulled back.

There was still time for Maye to skim the crossbar with an effort from distance, Hylton to find the side-netting and Sammons to thump the crossbar with a trademark strike before the Wiltshire registered their late reply through substitute Griffin.

Reds: Hornby 7, Jones 8, Flanagan 8, Spink 8, Mutton 8, Scarr 8, CARLINE 9, Maye 8 (Young 88), Hylton 8, Sammons 8, Katsoloudi 7 (Spencer 45, 7). Subs (not used): Bridgwater, Catlow.