Adie Mings

DESPITE the disappointment of missing out in the Southern League play-offs, Chippenham Town manager Adie Mings is extremely positive about how his first full campaign in charge has gone.

Mings said: "It's been a fantastic season. The lads we brought in have gelled really well and showed what good players they are.

"We didn't really set any major goals at the start of the season but looking at what we've done in the past it was important we tried to finish in the top five or six.

"Our main aim was getting the young lads in and get them gelling.

"They have been excellent and to finish fourth with an average age of 21 is a fantastic achievement.

"There's lads there who have got some bright futures in the game. Looking at the way they have performed this season I feel they can get better and better.

"They have overachieved but you're hoping after a year's experience of playing at this level of football, and having stability and continuity, will help them grow as a team and make them better players next season."

The Chippenham manager said he was trying to build a passing side and was hoping his team's style would attract fans back to Hardenhuish Park next season.

Mings said: "I think people have seen we've tried to change our style of play and have signed a lot more footballers, so it was always going to be the case that they tried to play football.

"We aren't trying to be any better or any worse than Chippenham teams of the past. We're trying to be consistent and build a side that's attractive to watch.

"Hopefully fans will see what we've done and recognise the young talent we've got at the football club and support us next season and be that 12th man.

"We've had a fantastic home record this season, I think we only lost twice at home."

Chippenham suffered Southern League play-off agony for the third time in four years as they were beaten 2-1 by Halesowen Town on Thursday night.

Substitute Sam Allison volleyed Chippenham ahead on 66 minutes as The Bluebirds seemed destined for a play-off final against local rivals Team Bath.

But Halesowen equalised in controversial circumstances five minutes later, resulting in the dismissal of Ross Adams.

Eldon Maquemba seemed offside as he sprinted onto a through ball from deep and Adams brought him down as he veered away from goal.

Adams was shown the red card and Dean Brennan converted the spot kick past Chris Snoddy.

The game was heading for extra time before The Yeltz completed the reverse on 79 minutes in spectacular style.

Maquemba cut in from the left and smashed a blockbuster into the top corner from 25 yards to leave The Bluebirds reeling.

Ollie Price had a gilt-edged chance on 85 minutes but the defender directed his volley straight at Osborn from close in.

Disappointed Mings said the decisions of the match official had not helped his team.

Mings said: "Poor refereeing decisions cost us. From the ball over the top the lad was three yards offside.

"The lad was going away from goal and Ross has made a rash challenge.

"It was a penalty but it wasn't a sending-off offence - there was two defenders back with him.

"As much as I don't like criticising referees, he had a bad day at the office.

"It gave them the impetus and put them back in the game at 1-1. They got a fresh lease of life."

Mings refused to blame Ollie Price for missing his late chance to equalise.

Mings said: "If Ollie replays that in his mind he probably should have just smashed it, but it's just one of those things."

2:29pm Friday 9th May 2008

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