Written by: Ollie Heathcote
We're back at The Focus Community Arena for the second time in five day! After our narrow defeat to Boreham Wood on Monday evening, we go up against Gary Horgan's Chippenham Town, who come into this one on the back of a 2-1 victory over Aveley at Hardenhuish Park last Saturday. Looking to make it a third consecutive victory, The Bluebirds will have to overcome Lee Allinson's Tudors who look to bounce back from Monday night. Let's have a little look into our opponents...
Founded: 1873
Nickname: The Bluebirds
Stadium: Hardenhuish Park Stadium Capacity: 3,000
Manager: Gary Horgan
History of The Bluebirds
Founded in 1873, Chippenham Town began their endeavour into competitive football when they became founding members of the Wiltshire League. Shortly after, the Bluebirds spent a short period of time in the Western League before withdrawing in 1906. After finding success in the Wiltshire League, the club rejoined the Western League in 1930, where they saw greater success. They won the league in 1952, which also saw them reach the FA Cup First Round for the first time. The turn of the millennium saw the Bluebirds experience defeat at Wembley in an FA Vase Final defeat, which gave Chippenham the motivation to achieve back-to-back promotions to the Southern League Premier Division. They were able to become an established side in this division, spending 15 years in the division before their promotion was announced in the 2016/17 season. Since 2017, the Bluebirds have become an established side in the National League South, proving their ability to compete with tough outfits in the league. Their best finish was the 2021/22 season, where Chippenham reached the Playoff Semi Final. They currently sit 14th in the table, and look to pull away from the Tudors, who sit 16th.
The Gaffer - Gary Horgan
Gary Horgan is a familiar name to people associated with Chippenham Town, representing the Bluebirds as both a player and manager. His first experience of Chippenham Town came in the 2015/16 season, where he joined the club. Since then, he has become a member of the Bluebirds’ coaching staff since the 2017/18 season, before taking up the managerial role in 2021. His leadership has developed throughout his time at the club, with Chippenham currently sat in a respectable 14th place in the table.
One to Watch - Harry Parsons
When called upon this season, Harry Parsons has been a key source of creativity for the Bluebirds. After securing a goal and an assist to his name in the reverse fixture, Parsons is sure to be a key threat to the Hemel defence.
Harry Parsons grew through the youth setup at Swindon Town, before progressing to the first team. He made appearances for the Robins in League Two, before his next seasons saw him loaned out to Banbury United, Farnborough and two spells at Chippenham Town. The beginning of the 2023/24 saw Parsons make the permanent switch to Maidenhead United before loan spells to Banbury and Weymouth followed. Parsons is in his first season at the Bluebirds, and has 7 goals and 4 assists to his name.
Harry Parsons has a promising career ahead of him at just 22 years old, and with his ability to lead the line, he will be one to watch for Chippenham Town.
The Skipper - Matt McClure
Joining the Bluebirds in 2023 from Gloucester City, Matt McClure has used his knowledge and experience throughout his time at Chippenham. His career started through his progress up the youth ranks at Crystal Palace, before moving to Wycombe Wanderers. Following a loan spell at Hayes & Yeading, McClure began to find consistent gametime for the Chairboys, helping them to a League Two playoff position in the 2014/15 season. A move to Dagenham & Redbridge soon followed, before McClure joined Aldershot of the National League. After helping the team to two playoff finishes in his three seasons at the club, McClure dropped down to the National League South, where he played for Maidstone. Following on, he spent 4 seasons at Gloucester before joining Chippenham, where he enters his third season at the club.
Last Time Out - Chippenham Town 3-0 Hemel Hempstead Town
The last matchup between these two sides saw a comfortable victory for the Bluebirds, in what marked the start of a run of many defeats for Hemel. After 44 minutes of action, a fierce shot was adjudged to have hit Ajayi’s hand inside the box, before Parsons placed his penalty into the back of the net. Things went from bad to worse for the Tudors as Gravata doubled the lead, before Kyran Wiltshire was sent off in the 63rd minute. Just before the final whistle, the hosts made it 3 with Bradbury rounding off a good afternoon for Chippenham.
For those making the 212 mile round trip from Wiltshire tomorrow, we wish you a safe journey and a welcoming stay at The Focus Community Arena.
Let's get back to winning ways Tudors, we're going to need you to bring the noise!
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