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Chippenham Town 1–1 Havant & Waterlooville – FA Cup First Qualifying Round Match Report

Match Report & Photography: Mark Page

Saturday 5 September 2026 – Hardenhuish Park

Match Summary

The Bluebirds were forced to settle for a replay after a dramatic late equaliser denied them a famous victory in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Marley Rose’s fierce first-half strike had put Chippenham firmly in control, but a sensational 89th-minute volley from Havant & Waterlooville rescued a second chance for the visitors. The result means the two sides will meet again to decide who progresses to the next round.

First Half – Bluebirds on the Front Foot

Havant & Waterlooville created the first opening of the afternoon, delivering a dangerous cross into the area. However, Ben Richard-Everton was alert to the threat and headed the ball over the bar to safety. The resulting corner proved poor and was easily cleared by the Chippenham front line.

The Bluebirds responded quickly with their first meaningful attack. Marley Rose received the ball wide on the flank and swung a dangerous delivery into the box, but the visiting goalkeeper reacted well to claim the cross.

Havant continued to press forward, but Kieh was quick to respond, clearing a loose ball under pressure and snuffing out the danger before the visitors could capitalise.

Sady then produced a moment of real quality, showing tremendous skill and fight to hold off three Havant players before releasing the ball to Marley Rose. Rose, under significant pressure, managed to get a shot away, only to see his effort saved by the Havant & Waterlooville keeper.

Chippenham took a deserved lead in the First Qualifying Round when Marley Rose collected the ball just outside the area and unleashed a ferocious strike that flew past the keeper to make it 1–0 to the Bluebirds.

Despite the absence of Luke Haines, the home side looked resolute defensively. Ben Richard-Everton and Kieh were outstanding throughout the first half, winning their individual battles and keeping Havant’s attackers largely quiet. When Havant did work the ball into the area, Richard-Everton was again on hand to block any attempt at goal, with Jack Witchard collecting comfortably.

The Bluebirds were forced into an early change when Bray went down and required treatment. Joel was introduced as his replacement, and he nearly made an instant impact. Played in by Sady for a one-on-one opportunity, Joel’s low effort was denied by the keeper, and the resulting corner was cleared by the Havant defence.

Odei-Larbi then found himself in space once more, pulling the ball back for Marcon, whose strike bounced into the ground. The Havant & Waterlooville keeper produced a fine reaction save to tip the ball around the post. The subsequent attacking corner was again cleared.

Sady continued to threaten down the flanks, finding space out wide before attempting a long-range effort that was comfortably saved by the visiting keeper.

Second Half – Chances Come and Go

Chippenham started the second half with intent. Piotr charged down the left-hand side before laying the ball off to Rose, whose attempted cross was blocked by a recovering defender.

Will King then picked out Marley Rose in space inside the area, allowing the forward to get a shot away. Havant’s keeper was equal to it, saving well at the near post.

Havant & Waterlooville came close to finding an equaliser midway through the half when a glanced header from Whittingham drifted agonisingly over the bar.

The Bluebirds then crafted their best chance of the second period. Olaf was played in under pressure from the centre half, but the keeper was quick off his line to save the effort.

Chippenham thought they had doubled their lead when Joel found himself in a promising position and finished brilliantly to find the back of the net. However, the assistant referee’s flag was raised, and the goal was ruled out for offside.

A long throw from Havant & Waterlooville caused chaos inside the box, but Jack Witchard stood firm, saving all attempts and comfortably claiming the ball to relieve the pressure.

In a rapid spell of pressure, Joel found himself free inside the area once more and forced another save from the keeper. Moments later, Felix Miles attempted an acrobatic effort that sailed over the bar — much to the relief of the Havant defence.

Late Drama

Just as the game appeared to be heading for a deserved Chippenham victory, Havant & Waterlooville produced a moment of genuine quality in the 89th minute. A sensational volley flew past Jack Witchard to level the scores and rescue a replay for the visitors.

With the final chance of the game, Havant came close to completing a remarkable turnaround, but their acrobatic effort sailed harmlessly over the bar, and the referee brought the contest to a close.

Key Moments

• Marley Rose opened the scoring with a fierce strike from outside the area.
• Jack Witchard made several crucial saves to keep Chippenham ahead for much of the contest.
• Ben Richard-Everton was a commanding presence in defence, making vital clearances and blocks throughout.
• Joel had a second-half goal ruled out for offside.
• A stunning 89th-minute volley from Havant & Waterlooville forced the tie to a replay.

Conclusion

Chippenham Town will feel a mix of frustration and pride after a strong performance that was ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance from the visitors. The Bluebirds created several clear chances to extend their lead and looked comfortable for long spells, but a lack of a second goal proved costly. All eyes now turn to the replay, where Chippenham will look to finish the job and progress to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Man of the Match

Marley Rose – A constant threat throughout, Rose scored a stunning goal and was involved in much of Chippenham’s best attacking play.

Match Report & Photography: Mark Page