FA Cup run ends

Citys involvement in this years FA Cup competition came to an end on Saturday, when they were defeated by Southern Premier Division side Chippenham Town. The 3-0 scoreline was probably a fair reflection on Town superiority, but Wells can take heart from a courageous performance, as they made a huge contribution to a highly entertaining encounter.
A crowd of 273 saw the home side dominate the early exchanges with City Skipper Kyle McErlain having to be at his best to contain the large figure of Chippenham striker Alan Griffin. On 10 minutes, Dave Gilroy burst through the visitors defence but was thwarted at the last moment with a well timed tackle from Mark Randall as he was about the pull the trigger. Likewise, City were thankful to the competitive figure of Nathan Truckle who put his body on the line with a similar last ditch interception minutes later when Chippenham looked odds on to score.
After these early scares, City settled into a good rhythm with Ross McErlain and Steve Sokol showing some good touches, whilst Ben Robertson belied his tender years with a solid performance at the back. Keeper Luke Langson was showing a good pair of hands with some excellent catches as the home side looked to up the tempo of the game.
With half time approaching, Chippenham took command of the game with a double strike inside 2 minutes of each other. Tovey Osman did well to skip past full back Jake Brown and crossed to find Gilroy for once in space inside the City 6 yard box, and the forward made no mistake with a powerful header which gave Langson no chance. Chippenhams second was a case of de ja vu, as Gilroy couldn’t believe his luck as he was left unmarked for the second time in as many minutes. The outcome was the same as the ball found the back of the net.
City came out for the second period in a more positive manner and produced a sterling performance which had their hosts and the back foot. Steve Murray was hauled down just outside the box, and Ross McErlain sweetly struck freekick smacked against the upright with the keeper stranded to the spot. McErlain had another opportunity from a similar distance after Adam Jones had been upended, and on this occasion the midfielder brought out a fantastic save from Sam Allison on the home goal to stop the ball crossing the line. The keeper did well to keep hold of the ball with Jones baring down looking for any slippage.
Allison had to be at his best on the hour when Murrays 25 yard strike looked as if it was heading for the top right hand corner, but the keeper tipped the ball over at full strength.
Chippenham regained their composure and could have added to their tally when Griffin turned sharply and saw his snapshot touched onto the crossbar by Langson.
Ross Stearns wrapped the tie up for the Hardenhuish Club when he volleyed home from close range after good work by Mani Randhawa.
Chippenham progressed to the next round whilst City can be proud of a fine performance which made the Wiltshire side work hard for their success.