CHIPPENHAM’S long wait for a victory in the Southern Premier continues after they twice threw away a lead in losing 3-2 to Redditch.

The Bluebirds, without a league win since December 1, were left shell-shocked after William Richards powered home a late winner at Hardenhuish Park.

The result leaves Chippenham just six points clear of the relegation places and their disappointing run of the last two-and-a-half months will only fuel supporters’ concerns that the drop is a distinct possibility.

Chippenham took the lead on 28 minutes, when Dean Griffiths lofted the ball into the area and his fellow frontman Alan Griffin nodded into the top corner.

Moments later home keeper Ben John saved well from Jermaine Hylton and in attempting to clear for a corner, defender Greg Tindle blasted into his own net.

Just after the hour mark, the Bluebirds restored their lead when Iain Harvey crossed for unmarked sub Alex Kite to head into the bottom corner.

It seemed as if Chippenham were in the ascendancy, only for Redditch to level once more. Richards was challenged by Kite and the ball rolled kindly to Hylton, who poked home from close range.

The visitors grabbed their winner in the second minute of added time, as Hylton’s driven cross pinballed about in the box and Richards lashed into the net.

In Division One South & West, Cirencester notched up a much-needed 3-2 win over Sholing at the Corinium Stadium.

Marvin McLean put the visitors in front early on courtesy of a deflected strike, but Ben Wells smashed home Sam Collier’s lay-off to send the sides in level at the break.

Shane Bumphrey put the Centurions in front for the first time on 63 minutes, but moments later Byron Mason arrowed in a stunning drive to make it 2-2.

However, with 12 minutes left on the clock Aidan Bennett ensured Ciren took all three points with a well-taken finish from 10 yards.