A DAY that began at 2am in a hospital car park ended in Errea Cup misery for Darren Perrin as Chippenham fell at the penultimate hurdle to Southern Western side Bromsgrove Rovers.

The Bluebirds boss missed the birth of brother Steve's daughter because neither had brought any money for the pay-and-display car park in the mad the rush to get to the hospital.

Seventeen hours later the Perrins arrived at Hardenhuish Park with bags under their eyes but determined to win a place in the final for new arrival Charlotte.

In their way stood a determined Bromsgrove outfit who were in no mood to congratulate them after claiming three Premier Division scalps en route to the semi finals.

Rovers snapped at Chippenham's heels for 90 minutes and countered with pace and imagination to inflict a third defeat on the flightless Bluebirds in four matches.

After the match a despondent Perrin said: "I felt we dominated most of the game but out final ball was very poor.

"We were caught by two sucker punches. The second goal was a foul on our goalkeeper, even their manager will tell you that."

Chippenham were missing five first team regulars, including midfielder Ian Herring who was serving the first of a two-match ban. Perrin refused to blame injuries for the defeat but hinted that the disruption to the side had cost his team a place in the final.

He said: "We've been fortunate up to his point that we've not had many injuries but all of a sudden we have picked up a few knocks.

"We had five players out tonight but it's no use crying over spilt milk. I fielded a team that was good enough to win. Full credit to Bromsgrove, I wish them all the best in the final."

The visitors took a surprise lead after four minutes with a lightning quick counter attack from deep inside their own half.

Winger Kevin Banner out-paced debutant Steve Winter and his cross for Mark Benbow was helped into the path of striker Paul Moore, who fired past Steve Perrin.

Chippenham almost drew level three minutes later when Darren Wheeler's curling free kick was acrobatically turned away by Lee Evans in the Rovers goal.

The equaliser came after 16 minutes. Matt Rawlins drilled a low cross into the box and Sean Seavill arrived on cue to bundle the ball home at the far post.

The visitors' second and decisive goal was clouded with controversy. Chippenham failed to clear a corner and Perrin reacted sharply to deny Delton Francis, but the Blues' stopper appeared to be fouled by the striker as Joe Williams helped the ball over the line.

Perrin was booked for dissent in the aftermath as referee Ron Ganfield waved away the protests, but the goal was no more than Bromsgrove deserved.

Five minutes later Rawlins rattled the crossbar with a thumping header as Chippenham looked to assert themselves once more.

Seavill flashed a volley over the crossbar and 60 seconds later headed into the arms of a grateful Evans as the Blues ended the first half strongly.

Six minutes after the interval Gilroy fashioned a shooting chance with a neat turn inside the box, but his low strike was easily gathered by Evans.

At the other end Perrin did well to smother at the feet of Moore when the striker looked certain to score. Chippenham then escaped what looked a certain penalty shout when skipper Gary Thorne upended Francis.

Darren Perrin introduced Sam Allison and Nick Stanley after 70 minutes but Bromsgrove were happy to sit deep and break at pace.

Stanley smashed a volley straight into the arms of Evans as time slipped away. Perrin did well to thwart substitute Luke Reynolds on two ocassions as the visitors navigated five minutes of stoppage time with relative ease.

Chippenham will hope to recapture top spot in the Premier Division this week with two home games, against Hitchin tomorrow and Team Bath on Tuesday night.