WITHOUT four of their regular strikers, Chippenham’s familiar failing of being unable to convert their chances again came to the fore.

Midfielders Toby Osman and Alex Ferguson were handed the job of playing up front in Bedfordshire and manager Mark Collier will be hoping the signing of Mark Francis from rivals Frome Town will go some way to alleviating the problem.

The former Swindon Town youngster’s signature came too late for him to play against Arlesey Town, where the Bluebirds again created a host of chances but were unable to convert a single one.

In the first half, Mark Preece’s headed effort from a James Guthrie corner was too close to Arlesey stopper Nick Thompson.

The best Bluebirds chance came just before the hour mark when Michael Pook’s free-kick flashed across the Arlesey goal but no one was able to get a touch.

At the other end, Chippenham keeper Kent Kauppinen had a relatively quiet afternoon, making the occasional routine save.

One bright light for Chippenham was a fifteen minute substitute appearance from promising Chippenham Park winger Ryan Campbell.

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