DEAN Griffiths had to bide his time for his first Chippenham Town goal but the wait was well worth it as he clinched all three points against Bashley on Tuesday.

With Chippenham desperate for a win during a night of precious few chances at Hardenhuish Park, Griffiths came off the bench in the second period and lashed home his first for the Bluebirds with under 10 minutes to go.

After Dave Gilroy departing in search of first-team opportunities at Frome Town last week, Griffiths made his claim for a starting spot in attack and said: “It was my first and it was good because it’s always great when you win because of it.

“It has been frustrating but Griff (Alan Griffin) and Phillo (Lee Phillips) have been playing well and scoring. If they were playing badly, I’d have loads to say but I can’t complain. “Nathan’s (Rudge) told us that there’s the three of us now and there’s going to be injuries and suspensions so you’ve just got to bide you time to get your chance.

“I’m glad to be off the mark now because I didn’t want to leave it until November to score a goal.”

Assistant manager Richard Fey, who brought Griffiths to the club from Bitton in the summer, was delighted to see his striker rewarded for his patience.

“I’ve known him since he was a kid and I had him for the last two years at Bitton but I’ve kept on at Nath to give him a chance because he’s definitely got something,” said Fey.

“He’s a great lad and he has let himself down over the last few years. But his attitude has been superb and since he’s come to the club. He hasn’t missed a training session or let anyone down.

“He’s an impact player really because his pace is frightening. But he came on, kept possession well and I’m glad that all his hard work paid off with a great strike.”

After neither side managed a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, Phillips went close for Chippenham shortly after half-time with a speculative volley that looped narrowly wide.

Luke Ballinger drew a brilliant reaction save from Bashley goalkeeper Stewart Kearn before Griffin nodded inches over the bar from Brandon Barnes’ corner.

Ballinger again tested Kearn while Bluebirds goalie Conor Thompson had to beat away Mark Gamble’s free kick but in the 81st minute, Nathan Rudge’s men had their breakthrough.

Griffiths picked up the ball and drove towards goal, cutting on to his left foot and then back on to his right before powering a shot into the right of the net, leaving keeper Kearn flat-footed.

CHIPPENHAM TOWN: Conor Thompson, Iain Harvey, Tyrone Mings, Ashley Williams, Steve Casey, Nathan Rudge, Luke Ballinger (Shaun Lamb 90+3), Brandon Barnes (Josh Egan 89), Alan Griffin, Scott Lye, Lee Phillips (Dean Griffiths 68).

Subs not used: Toby Osman, Alex Kite.

Attendance: 241.

TEXT UPDATES FROM TOWN'S FA CUP CLASH AT BISHOPS CLEEVE TOMORROW @gazsport AND MORE BLUEBIRDS REPORTS, REACTION & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @gazsport and @WTSport