THE Bluebirds showed great character as they recovered from a shaky opening half and conceding a first-minute goal to put on a polished performance after the break to retain their place at the top of the Premier Division table.

The only downside was seeing striker Andy Sandell, who made a surprise start, leave the field after 25 minutes with a hamstring injury.

As new boy Chris Allen (dual registered with Bath City) fired over in the opening seconds, play went down the other end and the home defence went to sleep as Jonah Ayunga waltzed through to slide the ball past Kent Kauppinen for the opener.

The goal appeared to shake Chippenham and it was the visitors who played the better football for the next half an hour and went close to extending their lead on several occasions.

Tony Lee saw his goalbound scissors kick blocked by the home defence, whilst the same player had an 18th-minute header ruled out for offside.

Ben Watson then shot straight at Kauppinen, whilst Ayunga’s flying header flashed wide.

Chippenham finally got their game together as a great run and cross by substitute Lee Phillips just evaded Allen. Matt Jones’ free kick then spun off the fists of Alan Harris-Walker to go behind for a corner.

A long clearance then found Allen but his shot lacked the power to trouble Walker-Harris.

Chippenham drew level on 44 minutes when Michael Pook’s corner was headed on and Phillips headed home from almost under the bar.

After the break Pook’s throw saw Alex Ferguson’s flicked shot turned behind by the Magpies custodian.

Matt Smith’s cross-cum-shot was then fumbled by Walker-Harris but cleared by his defence, whilst a Jones shot went wide.

On 62 minutes Walker-Harris held Luke Ballinger’s 30-yard effort. Greg Tindle then headed over a Pook corner.

The second goal finally came on 68 minutes as Ballinger’s low cross was touched home by Ferguson.

Watson and substitute Luke Woodlands wasted efforts for Dorchester before Chippenham sealed the points with a superb goal from substitute Ryan Campbell in the third minute of stoppage time.

The young winger intercepted the ball in the middle of the park before taking two touches and thumping home a 30-yard drive that gave Walker-Harris no chance.

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Ballinger, Jones, Pook, Tindle, Preece, Ferguson, Smith, Allen, Sandell (Phillips 25 [Campbell 86]), Guthrie.

Subs not used: Harvey, McCormack, Bevan.

Referee: Mark Dadds (Bristol).

Attendance: 380