Match Report by: Mark Page
Chippenham Town secured their place in the Third Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Felix Miles.
The Bluebirds made three changes from Friday night’s draw. Kevin Williams missed out due to injury, while Marley Rose and Joel Odei-Larbi dropped to the bench. Luke Haines returned from suspension, with Felix Miles and Martell Taylor-Crossdale also coming into the starting eleven.
Chippenham started brightly, with Will King and Taylor-Crossdale both forcing saves from Yate goalkeeper Aaron Sainsbury.
Yate’s first chance came on 17 minutes when Marcus Day’s low effort drifted just wide of the post.
Taylor-Crossdale then showcased some impressive skill to beat Joe Guest, only to see his shot well saved by Sainsbury.
The home side continued to press, with Leon Moore, Haines, and Miles all seeing efforts either saved or blocked.
The match took a dramatic turn on 30 minutes when a scuffle in the penalty box resulted in straight red cards for Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Alex Monks. With the game now 10v10, both sides settled into their new shapes for the remainder of the first half.
In the closing moments of the half, Will Larvin and Marlon Jackson both had efforts held by Witchard.
Just before the hour mark, Sam Hendy struck the near post at the Sheldon End. At the other end, Felix Miles drove forward and saw his low effort tipped around the post.
The deadlock was broken on 66 minutes when Henry Sady set up Richards-Everton, whose shot flew into the top corner to give Chippenham the lead.
However, the visitors equalised just 130 seconds later. A cross from the left found the head of Marlon Jackson, who nodded the ball into the far side-netting.
As the game threatened to fizzle out, Josh Marcon fired just wide and Richards-Everton saw his swivel shot blocked.
In the fourth of five added minutes, Odei-Larbi appeared to be tripped inside the area, but the officials awarded Yate a free-kick and booked the Chippenham man.
The match moved into extra-time for the first time since the club’s playoff venture in 2022.
Chippenham regained the lead on 99 minutes when Leon Moore’s long-range effort was palmed into the path of Felix Miles, who fired low into the net first time.
Marcus Day then had a shot through a crowd of players, which was held by Witchard.
As the second period of extra-time approached its conclusion, Yate were gifted a huge chance. Richards-Everton miscued his clearance, allowing Joe Parker to slide in from four yards, but his toe-poke went agonisingly past the post.
The full-time whistle confirmed Chippenham’s progression to the Third Qualifying Round, where they will face Cray Wanderers away Saturday 3rd October 3pm kick off.
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