Match Report: Chippenham Town 1 Torquay United 1

Chippenham Town 1
McClure 68

Torquay United 1
Jenkins Davies 11

A two-minute swing of events prevented Torquay United from earning a battling victory on a wild night at Chippenham Town.

Midfielder Will Jenkins Davies, on loan with the Gulls from Plymouth Argyle, gave United an early lead and they retained control of proceedings until 20 minutes into the second period.

The game then changed dramatically, as Jenkins Davies was sent off for two yellow cards and Chippenham instantly equalised through Matt McClure. Both sides had chances to win it but, in the circumstances, it was a fair point for the Gulls.

United boss Gary Johnson made just the one change from the weekend win over Dover Athletic, Archie Harris replacing Dan Martin. There were places on the bench for youngsters Callum Thomas and Finley Craske.

Chippenham battled hard to earn a point at Aveley on the weekend and a decent early cross from Tyreke Johnson forced the central defensive duo of Dean Moxey and Ollie Tomlinson into some early tidying up in the box.

The Gulls settled into their work and grabbed the lead through Jenkins Davies on 11 minutes to settle nerves among the wind-swept Yellow Army, as supporters and players dealt with the challenges of another breezy match-day.

Ethon Archer picked out the same Gull for another effort moments later, this time fired just off target, before Craig Fasanmade rifled over the bar from a good position for the hosts.

Chippenham settled into a spell of decent possession, leading to a caution for Jenkins Davies midway through the first period, a yellow card that would prove costly after the break. Before that, Dillon De Silva cut inside for an effort fired wide as the weather worsened.

A delightful cross from Ross Marshall picked out Brad Ash for a header sent narrowly wide and Jenkins Davies forced the best from home goalkeeper Will Henry. Chippenham replied with a foray forward, Caine Bradbury bringing out a terrific reaction block from Mark Halstead.

United held their lead until the half-time interval and a lead they probably deserved. A well-placed free-kick from Jenkins Davies again found the head of Ash, who was just unable to find the target. United’s number 11 then just missed out on a proper contact from a De Silva cross in a bright start to the second period.

Tom Lapslie for Asa Hall was the first United change on the hour and, despite the slender lead, the Gulls looked relatively comfortable in the game, but that all changed when Jenkins Davies was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

The punishment was double within a minute, as Chippenham skipper McClure levelled from close range and the whole dynamic of the evening had changed. Fasanmade delivered a fine cross that just eluded the home attack before substitute Jake Evans fired wide.

Lewis Collins replaced Ash for the final 20 minutes and immediately went close to restoring the lead before Archer crashed a shot against the home crossbar. The lively De Silva then forced a top save from Henry.

United’s adjustment to their numerical disadvantage was definitely encouraging but a crucial final ten minutes awaited two tiring teams in horrible conditions.

Tremendous play from Archer created another sniff for Collins, who was thwarted by a goal-line clearance. Great defending from the hosts but a sickener for United, who then breathed a sigh of relief when the ball appeared to strike their bar after a corner caught on the breeze.

Points shared and a decent draw for the ten men of United, who deserved that at the very least.  

Chippenham Town: 1 Will Henry; 2 Eddie Jones, 3 Freddie Grant, 4 Craig Fasanmade, 5 Aaron Amadi-Holloway (8 Jake Evans 59), 7 Tyreke Johnson, 9 Matt McClure (capt) (10 Tom Owen-Evans 76), 14 Luke Spokes, 15 Dan Ellison (18 Nathaniel Williams 43), 16 Caine Bradbury, 20 Will King. Substitutes (not used): 11 Alex Bray, 12 Tom Mehew.

Booked:

Torquay United: 1 Mark Halstead; 6 Ross Marshall, 8 Asa Hall (capt) (4 Tom Lapslie 61), 11 Brad Ash (10 Lewis Collins 69), 14 Brett McGavin, 17 Dillon De Silva, 18 Will Jenkins Davies, 21 Dean Moxey, 23 Ollie Tomlinson, 26 Archie Harris, 30 Ethon Archer. Substitutes (not used): 15 Finley Craske, 22 Rhys Lovett (GK), 24 Callum Thomas.

Booked: Jenkins Davies 22, Harris 63

Sent Off: Jenkins Davies 65

Attendance: 651