Ten-man Chippenham Town got back to winning ways on Monday by overcoming strong opposition 2-1 and a series of bizarre refereeing decisions.

Two first-half goals from skipper Ross Adams, along with a disciplined defensive display, ensured the visitors all three points after Sam Allison’s early dismissal.

However home captain Nathan Rudge and Adam Faux escaped seeing red from referee Justin Amey, the same man who sent off David Pratt in three seconds against Bashley, for a series of fouls against Pratt, Scott Lye and Luke Gullick.

“On another day they probably would have had one or two, at least, sent off,” said Adams.

“But the ref sees it how he sees it. You don’t always agree and it was one of those days.”

The towering centre-back put Chippenham ahead on 14 minutes after heading in a Sean Seavill free-kick.

Tiverton were given the chance to equalise when Shaun Lamb hacked down Paul Wyatt in the area, allowing Tom Knighton to convert the spot-kick.

Things went from bad to worse when Allison was immediately sent off for shoving Bobby Hopkinson but Adams restored their advantage less than a minute later with a composed finish from the edge of the area.

The Bluebirds should have added to their lead further but Seavill, Gullick, Pratt and James Martin all missed good chances in the second period while the defence held firm to ensure the victory. “That’s five now for the season,” said Adams.

“I was only saying before the game, me and Kevin Halliday were on three and we usually have a little bet each season who is going to get the most, but it’s always nice to score a couple.

“My second came at a very good time and gave us something to hold on to.

“We defended superbly in the second half and probably could have had a couple more goals.

“If we can pick up two wins from the last two games we’ll take that into next pre-season and kick on again.”

Chippenham Town: Snoddy, Adams, Halliday, Martin, Casey, Lamb, Lye, Gullick, Pratt, Seavill (Powell 85), Allison. Subs: Harvey, Kemp.