CHIPPENHAM Park Development manager Nigel Tripp was delighted to have booked a place in the final of the Fountain Trophies Senior Knockout Cup with a shoot-out win over Melksham Town Reserves.

The visitors opened the scoring 20 minutes into the first half when Chippenham gave the ball away in the middle of the park and Jake Sainsbury broke away to score.

Tripp’s side were able to restore parity just five minutes later when Luke Murden scored on the break.

Chippenham were forced to hang on in the second half and despite Melksham being reduced to 10 men before the end of normal time, they could only force penalties.

Alex Pring scored the decisive spot-kick, making up for his brother Ben missing, to secure a final against Wroughton.

“It is great to have a final to keep the season alive because all the boys have worked really hard and have shown a great attitude,” said Tripp.

“On the back of last year, when we got beat at the same stage, I think the players showed a bit more desire.

“We got a bit battered really but defended well and kept going, and showed a great attitude.

“We were able to take it to penalties, where we know that it is just luck.

“They had a player sent off before extra-time but that really didn’t change things and we just dug in and saw it through to the end.

“Although they were on top, our goalkeeper didn’t have many saves to make. It was a lot of defending corners but we struggled to get forward.

“We have brought some youngsters through as well so it is all looking good for the end.”

Meanwhile, Trowbridge Town continue to stumble on their path to the Premier Division title, falling to a 3-1 defeat at home to league-leading Shrewton United.

Last season’s champions, Malmesbury Victoria, continue to fight until the end as they secured a 2-1 away win over Vale of Pewsey to remain second.

Wroughton were comfortable 4-0 winners in their game against Corsham Town Reserves, while Royal Wootton Bassett Town Reserves were 3-1 winners over Sarum Youth.