The Bluebirds were left frustrated as manager in waiting Nathan Rudge met James Guthrie’s corner five minutes before the break and his headed effort was clearly over the line before it was stopped by an Arlesey hand.
The Bluebirds stood in disbelief as referee John Mayhew ignored their pleas for a goal and at the very least a penalty.
The incident livened up a first half that had seen minimal goal mouth action although Arlesey’s Leon Constantine should have given his side a first minute lead as he scooped his close range shot over the bar. Kevin Sawyer also did well to turn aside Lee Allinson’s low shot following a well-worked free kick routine.
Chippenham’s Alan Griffin saw successive shots blocked whilst Scott Lye’s stinging shot was saved by Bussey. The Bluebirds took the lead seven minutes after the break when Stearn ghosted in to head home Lye’s inswinging cross.
They should have doubled their lead five minutes later when skipper Ashley Williams’ side-footed against a post. Further chances went begging as Stearn, Griffin and Lye failed to convert whilst Sawyer did well to reach Ryan Frater’s low shot.
Arlesey equalized seven minutes from time when substitute Zema Abbey rose highest to head home a cross from the right.

Chippenham: Kevin Sawyer, Iain Harvey, Mani Randhawa, Ashley Williams, Steve Casey, Nathan Rudge, Scott Lye, Ross Stearn, Alex Kite, Alan Griffin, James Guthrie subs not used: Dave Gilroy, Ben Wickens, Charlie Austin, Toby Osman

Arlesey: Nick Bussey, Fabio Bufano, Cameron Mayer, Ryan Frater, Derek Brown, Stefan Bailey, Leon Constantine (Aston Goss 60), Lee Allinson, Chris Dillon, Chris March, Joel Mason (Zema Abbey 72) subs not used: Liam McGovern, Aston Goss, Christian Tavernier, Nathan Abbey

Ref: John Mayhew – Dudley
Ass Refs: Dale Wootton – Cheltenham, Joe Mizzi – Cheltenham

Attendance: 372

Star Man: Ross Stearn