It was a game of fine finishes as Hampton & Richmond succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chippenham Town at Beveree Stadium.

James Roberts had his first-half penalty saved by Will Henry before two superb strikes from Tyreke Johnson and Matt McClure put the away side ahead.

An Archie Taylor free-kick reduced the lead before the break, but the Beavers were unable to find an equaliser and dropped to 10th, while Chippenham moved up to 12th.

New signing Zander Siziba created an early opportunity after some beautiful wing play, with his shot trickling wide of the near post.

The Beavers had a near calamity in their own penalty area as Lachlan Byrd’s clearance cannoned off Dominic Revan, forcing a reaction save from Max Merrick.

Siziba won a contentious penalty after being nudged in the box in the 17th minute, but Roberts’ strike was well saved by Henry to his right.

Gary Horgan’s side took the lead in the 23rd minute when Johnson fired emphatically into the top corner, after finding himself in acres of space on the edge of the box.

The Bluebirds doubled their lead in the 25th minute as McClure’s ambitious lob on the halfway line foiled Merrick for a contender for goal of the season.

Wonder goals were clearly on the menu as Taylor’s sumptuous curling free-kick reduced the deficit in the 41st minute.

Just before the break, Harry Parsons should have made it three for Chippenham, but his close-range effort went wide of the post.

Alan Julian’s side started the second-half on the front foot when Mauro Vilhete’s Gareth Bale-eque run found Siziba, who had his effort saved by Henry.

Another bombing run, this time by Renedi Masampu, led to a Roberts chance, but he struck straight at the Bluebirds’ goalkeeper.

Pressure continued to mount on the Chippenham goal, with Vilhete heading wide from an enticing delivery from the left.

Masampu’s cross again found the head of Vilhete, who’s powerful header was well saved by Henry.

Crosses continued to cause problems inside the away side’s box as Roberts’ corner found Byrd, whose header was deflected over the bar.

As tension grew, the Beavers felt they should have had a penalty after Roberts’ effort was saved before Vilhete went down, but nothing was given.

Vilhete’s determination again paid dividends as he thrust his way into the penalty area before pulling the ball back to Jonathan Page, who’s shot was well blocked.

Deliveries continued to fly into the Chippenham box and, despite Henry’s flapping, Hampton & Richmond could not find an answer.

In the dying embers of the game, Roberts’ delivery found Vilhete, but his header went wide, as the Bluebirds’ resolute defending earned them all three points.