TIVERTON Town's Southern League Premier Division status remains in the balance after they went down 4-2 at Chippenham on Tuesday night.

Despite twice leading the game, the Yellows were unable to hold on and Chippenham eventually ran out worthy winners in a keenly fought contest.

On-loan Plymouth Argyle youngster Liam Head marked his Town debut with a headed goal in the third minute as Tivvy started strongly but the contest soon evened itself out and Steve Book was forced into saves to deny Lewis Powell and Ben Highmore inside the first 20 minutes.

Elliott Frear went close to extending Tiverton's lead soon after but his low shot was collected at the second attempt by Chippenham keeper Ian Gill.

And, in a pulsating first half that swayed from end to end, Nathan Rudge kept the visitors in front when he headed a rasping Scott Lye free-kick off the line.

Ross Adams latched onto the rebound but could only send his headed effort over the barand Greg Tindle somehow missed the target at the far post from a matter of yards out.

But, just before half-time, Chippenham were given the opportunity to level when Rudge was penalised for tugging down Lye in the area.

Powell, who spent a short spell at Ladysmead last season, crashed home the resultant penalty kick to send the teams in level at the break.

Chippenham enjoyed much the better of the second half but Gill still had to be on his guard as Jamie Hatch curled in a long-range effort that dipped just wide of the post.

At the other end, it was Lye who was instrumental in most attacking moves for the home side and, when his 54th-minute free-kick was half cleared, the Bluebirds midfielder rocketed in a powerful shot, which Book did magnificently to fingertip over the bar.

Tivvy regained the initiative when Sam Allison diverted Hatch's cross into his own net but again Tiverton were unable to hold onto the lead.

This time it took Chippenham just two minutes to restore parity, Alan Griffin stepping off the bench to nod home unchallenged with his first touch of the game.

And before the match was given a chance to settle Chippenham took the lead for the first time.

Again Lye was at the heart of the move, feeding the ball inside to Luke Gullick for the midfielder to poke past Book and into the net despite the best efforts of the retreating Mike Booth.

Tiverton responded by introducing Richard Pears into a three-pronged attack but chances at both ends dried up as Chippenham began to control the tempo of the game.

And, with five minutes remaining, the home side wrapped up the victory thanks to Powell's second of the game, a low shot that beat Book and found the net via the foot of the post.

Tindle's goalline clearance from a Head flick ensured that Tiverton were unable to make a late charge in an attempt to rescue a point.

The result sees the Yellows slip a place in the table to 16th, with Merthyr Tydfil, Bedford Town and Swindon Supermarine hot on their heels.

Tiverton now face the prospect of a trip to play-off-chasing Bashley on Saturday and will be aiming to avenge a 5-0 defeat to the New Forest outfit at Ladysmead earlier in the season.

Chippenham Town: Ian Gill, Ross Adams, Greg Tindle, Alex Kite, Steve Casey, James Martin (Ashley Williams 75), Scott Lye, Luke Gullick, Lewis Powell, Ben Highmore (Alan Griffin 62), Sam Allison

Goals: Powell 43 (pen), 85, Griffin 64, Lye 68

Booked: Highmore 60

Tiverton Town: Steve Book, Adam Faux (Tom Kington 90+2), Alex Faux (Richard Groves 86), Mike Booth, Nathan Rudge, Tom Gardner, Jamie Hatch, Colin Marshall, Joe Bushin, Liam Head, Elliott Frear (Richard Pears 70)

Goals: Head 3, Allison (own goal) 62

Booked: Rudge 43, Adam Faux 81

Attendance: 387