Opposition Preview | Chippenham Town FC (H)

The Emirates FA Cup is back again after being drawn against Chippenham Town FC at New Meadow Park for the Second Qualifying Round.

After defeating AFC Portchester 0-2 in the First Round Qualifying Replay, thanks to a penalty goal from Joe Hanks and a headed finish from King Baidoo, we have a chance of reaching the Third Round Qualifying stage for the first time since the 2022/23 season.

This fixture is one that dates all the way back to 1969 in which our first fixture against the Bluebirds was a 4-0 FA Trophy win. There have been four fixtures between ourselves and tomorrow's opposition in the prestigious FA Cup competition, with us being unbeaten, winning three and drawing one.

The most notable of the games was in October 2012, Darren Edwards netting the winner in a 1-0 win at Whaddon Road, sending us to the First Round Proper for the first time in 23 years.

Chippenham are currently situated in the National League South, sitting in 22nd place with five points from the opening eight games after a tough start to the season, however their league position is due to some narrow losses and draws.

They started their season with a home tie against Dorking Wanderers and were leading right up until the 98th minute, in which Dorking striker Alfie Rutherford scored a 98th minute equaliser, to make honours even on the opening day.

Tomorrow's visitors' most recent result was a 1-1 draw at home to Hampton and Richmond, Tom Owen-Evans scoring a penalty which was cancelled out just before half-time by Ronan Silva.

The dangermen for the Bluebirds are forward, Solomon Wanjau-Smith, who joined in the summer from Bath City, he brings pace, skill and the ability to get out of tight areas to Chippenham's game. Tom Owen-Evans and Harry Parsons are also a threat to defences, both scoring two so far this season.

The Wiltshire based club have had some relative recent success in the FA Cup, reaching the Second Round Proper in the 2022/23 season, losing 6-1 to Burton Albion away from home, they also reached the first round proper in the 2019/20 season, losing to Northampton Town 3-0.

Club History

Chippenham Town F.C. trace their roots back to 1873, making them one of the oldest clubs in Wiltshire. However, local sources claim the club was founded in December 1884, with the first match versus Melksham on 17 December of that year.

Early decades saw them playing in the Wiltshire League (they were founder members in 1894), also entering the Western League in the early 1900s. After some early success, including Wiltshire League titles in 1907-08 and 1908-09 and regular good finishes, they returned to the Western League and had a solid presence.

In 1919 the club settled at Hardenhuish Park, which remains their home. The club’s colours evolved: originally black and white stripes but by late 1940s switched to blue and white, which are now well-known.

Post-1950s they oscillated between different non-league competitions. Winning the Western League for the first and only time in 1951-52, before moving back into the Wiltshire and Hellenic leagues during periods of decline.

A big moment came in 2000 when they reached the final of the FA Vase at Wembley (old stadium) — a high-profile achievement though they lost 1-0 to Deal Town in the final.

 Over the next decade the club gradually rose through the Southern League system, with multiple play-off attempts.

Their breakthrough came in 2016-17 under manager Mark Collier, when Chippenham Town won the Southern League Premier Division with a record 103 points, earning promotion to the National League South. Since then the club has focused on consolidation at that level, with several respectable FA Cup runs, management changes, dealing with financial & pandemic-related disruption, and achieving their highest league finish in 2021-22 by making the playoff places.

Ticket Info

Tickets for tomorrow's game are on sale here, you can buy on the gate with cash or card however they come at a dearer price to buying in advance.

Adults £13

Concession £10

Student/Youth (12-18) £7

U12 FREE

Family (Two Adults, Two U18's) £30

Let's pack the park and get behind the boys!