Cinderford Town 3

Chippenham Town 1

BLUEBIRDS player/manager Nathan Rudge was sent off as Chippenham Town's unbeaten pre-season record came crashing to an abrupt end at The Causeway.

Chippenham took the lead on 17 minutes when Luke Ballinger's cross was turned in by ex-Bristol Rovers striker Dave Gilroy.

Twelve minutes later, Lewis Sommers equalised from a Dale Evans free-kick.

Rudge was sent off for elbowing Lewis Sommers before half-time. After the protests had died down, Lee Smith ran up to convert the resulting penalty.

Matt Barnes and Sam O'Sullivan came on to give Cinderford another attacking dimension in the second half.

They linked up well with man of the match Jack Camm and Lee Smith to create several good chances. Smith and Barnes both forced fine saves from Dempsey.

Cinderford wrapped up a memorable victory with a third goal from Barnes, who raced onto a fine through-ball from Nick Hancock.

Chippenham kept fighting and only a magnificent save from Ben John kept out a late strike from Griffiths.

Cinderford Town: Ben John, Warren Archer, Matt Smith, Dan Harrison, Greg Lewis, Nick Hancock, Lee Smith, Geraint Bater (capt), Lewis Sommers, Jack Camm, Dean Lee. Subs used: Dale Evans, Scott Wilson, Matt Barnes, Sam O'Sullivan, Ashley Malcolm, Andy Lewis.

See this week's Forester for more match pictures.