CHIPPENHAM Town have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of centre-back Will Richards.

The 24-year-old Welshman, who has already featured for Mark Collier’s side during pre-season, previously played for the Bluebirds’ Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division rivals Redditch United and was named in last season’s team of the year after helping the Worcestershire side to second in the table.

Collier said: “Will adds real quality. He is a fantastic addition to the squad.”

Last week, defender Leigh Henry had his contract with Chippenham terminated by mutual consent.

Meanwhile, with their friendly clash with Calne Town cancelled due to the Lilywhites being unable to raise a side, the Bluebirds played in a hastily-arranged friendly against feeder club Chippenham Park on Saturday morning.

Toolstation League Park, who recently appointed Nick Maggs as manager, replacing Dave Ferris, ran out 2-0 winners.

Park struck after eight minutes through a fine dipping volley from Darrin Moss, which gave Kent Kauppinen no chance in the Town goal.

Collier’s Town then suffered another blow when new signing Miles John limped off with a hamstring strain on 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, Town fashioned a dozen first-half chances. Ben Whitehead headed over from an Andy Sandell cross whilst Park keeper Dan Price impressed as he turned over Matt Smith’s 30-yard drive.

On 34 minutes, Nathan Phillimore won two tackles on the edge of the area before firing a shot past Kauppinen to double Park’s lead.

The second half saw similar one-way traffic but the Park defence held firm, with James Guthrie’s cut-back to Alex Ferguson seeing the latter’s shot blocked on the line.

Just after the hour mark, Chris Allen combined with Ferguson to find Sandell, whose close-range shot hit Price.

Allen had a late opportunity to halve the deficit when a Park defender was penalised for handball in the area, but he skied the resultant penalty over the bar.

Second half keeper Alan Griffin then saved Town when he dived to turn aside Josh Legg’s shot.