Chippenham Town 3, Didcot Town 3

FROM the banal to the brilliant, Chippenham rediscovered the scoring touch in a thrilling FA Trophy second round clash at Hardenhuish Park.

The Bluebirds had failed to score in three of their previous four home games before the visit of the 2005 FA Vase winners.

Last week's bore draw against rivals Mangotsfield United brought boos at the final whistle, but Saturday's clash was action-packed from start to finish.

The Railwaymen steamed into a two goal lead after just six minutes, only to be pegged back by Dave Gilroy's first half strike.

With Darren Perrin's team talk still ringing in their ears, Chippenham began the second half in scintillating form.

Adam Garner brought the hosts level after 59 minutes when he out-jumped the Didcot defence to head home Ross Adams' floated cross.

The comeback was complete when the inspirational Alan Griffin planted an unstoppable header past Chris Webb from substitute Sean Seavill's centre.

Griffin then produced the best moment of the match when he controlled the ball on his chest and danced past three defenders before bringing a superb diving save from Webb.

But a combination of flair and fortune earned the visitors a replay at the NPower Loop Meadow Stadium on Tuesday night.

Stuart Beavon looked suspiciously offside when he controlled the ball with his hand before rifling a low drive past a helpless Chris Snoddy.

Beavon almost won it for Didcot minutes later when he evaded Garner and fired over with Paul Powell and Jamie Brooks queuing up at the far post to score.

Both teams left the field to rapturous applause as the supporters showed their appreciation for a flowing game of cup football.

Chippenham assistant Adie Mings was pleased to earn a replay after his side's disastrous opening to the game.

He said: "When you go two goals down after six minutes then you would certainly take a draw.

"But after getting our noses in front it was disappointing not to kill the game off. We still look naive in defence at times," he said.