MARK Collier has called on a strong contingent of travelling Chippenham Town supporters to make the trip to Basingstoke Town on Saturday as his side seek to continue their Southern League Premier Division title challenge.

Chippenham travel to Hampshire bidding to extend their impressive unbeaten streak to a 17th match, a run of form that has seen them climb to the top of the table while building up a sizeable seven-point gap on the chasing pack.

Saturday’s match is a third in a row on the road for the Bluebirds as the Dragons become the latest side to try to claim what is now the biggest scalp in the division.

Although expecting a tough test at the Camrose, Collier believes another positive away day result will be much easier for his side to secure with a vocal fanbase behind them.

“Basingstoke is not too far so we really want some supporters to turn up there because these lads are 16 games unbeaten,” said Collier.

“It’s a fantastic achievement by them and we want to keep pushing.

“Basingstoke are a good footballing side.

“They are a relatively young group but have got a good manager in Terry Brown and we know it will be difficult, as they all are.

“On the back of 16 games unbeaten, we should be going there full of confidence and that’s what we will do.

“We have been top for three or four weeks and that brings a pressure as well.

“Whether you want that pressure or whether you play it down, it’s there.

“People constantly remind you, it’s in every newspaper, it’s in every manager’s programme notes when you go away from home.

“I want the players to enjoy that an embrace being top as everyone else wants to be in our position.”

Andy Sandell’s late penalty secured Chippenham a 1-0 win at Stratford Town last Saturday, with the Premier Division’s top scorer settling the contest six minutes from time after strike partner David Pratt had been fouled in the box.

The Bluebirds have had a full week to prepare for this weekend’s game at Basingstoke as they have concluded their Tuesday night fixtures for the season already and Collier hopes that can make all the difference in his side’s pursuit of promotion.

“We are carrying a few bumps and bruises so it will be good for the players to get a bit of rest and get themselves ready for Basingstoke,” said Collier.

“Having finished all our Tuesday night games now, that could be a blessing in disguise as the season unfolds.

“I would like to think the one game a week is going to make a difference, not just with tired legs but tired minds as well.”