DISAPPOINTMENT was the over-riding emotion for Chippenham Town manager Mark Collier as their three-game winning streak was brought to an end by a 2-1 defeat to Concord Rangers on Tuesday.

The Bluebirds found themselves 1-0 down early in the second half at Hardenhuish Park to a Lewis Taafe strike.

James Guthrie was then sent off for the hosts, before Concord doubled their advantage through Andrew Freeman shortly after.

Chippenham did get a goal back through Matt Smith, but it was too little too late.

Collier admits he was unhappy with the performance from his side, especially as he and the players know they are capable of producing better.

“I was disappointed to say the least,” said Collier, who reiterated to his players that individual errors do not go unpunished.

“A few players fell below the performance levels that are required for this level of football and if that happens you will find yourself in trouble.

“We shouldn’t be surprised by it because that is exactly what has happened to us.

“Concord were a decent side and when you look at their league position, it just shows what a ruthless and demanding division we are in.

“We made a sloppy start in all fairness. We often talk about making sure we start well but for some reason we started the game on the back foot.

“We were pleased to go in at 0-0, that allowed us to reassess the situation and talk about it.

Then we started the second half quite well until we made an individual error which we got punished for.

“Of late we have eradicated those errors and got the rewards for that too.

“Overall I don’t think we deserved anything from the game, our performance just wasn’t good enough.”

Referring to the red card, Collier said it was a decision that could have gone either way but says wide man Guthrie will have to take his ban on the chin.

“The referee has got to decide in a split second. He had a chat with his linesman and said he was giving himself some thinking time,” he added.

“I haven’t seen the video back but it is what it is.

“There is not a lot we can do about it and we will have to carry that now.

“James will have his suspension when that comes along and we have to regroup.

“Sometimes the decisions go for you and sometimes they don’t.”

Chippenham also learned they will face Highworth Town in the Wiltshire Senior Cup final after the Worthians saw off Salisbury on Tuesday evening.

While Collier says it is something to look forward to, he admits the showpiece is some way down the pecking order at the moment

“The Wiltshire Senior Cup is something else to look forward to,” he added.

“Without being disrespectful to Highworth, we have some bigger fish to fry before that.

“Retaining our National League South status is the priority and that has been the case since the start of the season.”