After last week’s victorious return to league action, we looked to repeat the feat as we hosted the league’s bottom side, Chippenham Town.
In the reverse fixture on the opening day, the visitors went ahead within six minutes and also had the first chance in this fixture on the six-minute mark, as Canice Carroll saw his header comfortably saved after a free kick, following a good start from the visitors who retained the ball well.
In similar fashion to Carroll’s effort, we responded with a headed effort from George Francomb.
Francomb’s header was tipped over the bar; however, Dennon Lewis’ corner found the feet of Patrick Casey, who poked the ball past the goalkeeper to continue his fine form and give us the lead.
The match was set to be a pivotal one for both sides, as we looked to continue our challenge at the top, while Chippenham were aiming to close the gap on Farnborough in 20th.
The visitors should have levelled the scoreline swiftly after Casey’s opener in pursuit of the points. However, Ezio Touray struck the ball agonisingly wide after a gap opened up for him following good play from Sol Wanjau-Smith, before Anointed Chukwu saw his effort deflected wide from a free kick and Tom Mehew had an effort blocked.
As the first half progressed, the visitors continued their sustained pressure on the Wanderers’ goal and had further efforts, including an Ezio Touray shot which was comfortably saved after a good run.
Brennan Camp, who signed a new three-year deal this week, had an effort saved for Wanderers soon after; however, the visitors followed up with a deserved equaliser through an effort from Billy Phillips, whose shot was clawed away by Louie Annesley, but was deemed to have crossed the line.
As the first half progressed, the away side remained resolute, despite a late effort from George Francomb, which was comfortably saved by Will Henry.
The visitors went very close to taking the lead early in the second half as a sumptuous through ball found Anointed Chukwu, whose one-on-one effort was well saved by Harrison Foulkes, before Will King had an effort saved minutes later as Chippenham took control of the affair.
Wanderers continued to have chances, including a Paul McCallum header over the bar and a shot cleared off the line from the same player, before Alfie Rutherford, who scored a late equaliser in the reverse fixture and had returned to the bench after a long-term injury, marked his return to the side by lifting the ball over the goalkeeper minutes after entering the pitch.
Following Wanderers’ second goal, proceedings quietened as both sides battled to retain possession in midfield, with long-range efforts from Harry Sidwell and Sol Wanjau-Smith, both of which were comfortably gathered by the respective goalkeepers, before James McShane struck the ball over the bar, also from distance.
As the game drew to a close, we were comfortable in defence, sealing a valuable three points after a good attacking display from the away side.
The squad has a quick turnaround from this fixture, travelling to Enfield Town on Tuesday night, looking for a further three points.