CHIPPENHAM Town have booked an FA Cup first-round-proper tie at home to League One Lincoln City following a 1-0 replay victory over Hendon on Tuesday night.

The Bluebirds were leading 2-0 on Saturday in the initial fourth qualifying round fixture after Craig Fasanmade and Jordan Young netted inside the opening 15 minutes.

But the Southern League Premier South side struck back with two goals in quick succession from Liam Brooks early in the second half.

The Bluebirds had Will Richards sent off in stoppage time before holding on for a replay at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium in midweek.

In the second edition, Chippenham did not waste their opportunity as Joe Parker scored just before half-time to set up a brilliant tie against the Imps in a couple of weeks’ time.

Discussing the fourth round qualifying matches, Bluebirds manager Gary Horgan said: “It was quite tight, as you can imagine, with what was at stake. It was a cagey, tight, and nervy.

“We probably missed a really good opportunity on Saturday to put the tie to bed when we dominated in the first half.

“There were probably some nerves going into last night because of that. But overall, across the 90 minutes, I’d say we shaded it.”

Monday’s draw presented Chippenham with their highest-ranked opponents of all time. In the three previous expeditions into the world’s oldest cup competition, the Bluebirds had faced non-league outfits Leyton in 1951 and Worcester City in 2004 before hosting League Two Northampton Town in 2019.

Horgan says everyone at the club – including himself – is really excited for the game and hopes the town of Chippenham really gets behind the team on what should be a “special day.”

Horgan said: “We’re pleased because it gives everyone at the club and everyone in the town an opportunity to watch their football club pit their wits against one of the best players possible.

“Yes, it’s not an away game against a Derby County or an Ipswich Town, but it will be a really tough test on our own patch.

“It’s something everyone in the town can celebrate. It’s a tough feat to even reach this point, it doesn’t happen every year.

“The main thing is, it will bring some considerable revenue into the club, but it also gives the opportunity to galvanise the club and the town on a special day.”