CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier was left pleasantly surprised after his men earned a one-goal win against League Two outfit Newport County at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday.

A long-range strike from new Bluebirds recruit Jack Compton midway through the second half proved the difference between the two sides as Collier’s men made a winning start to their pre-season campaign.

While pleased with the win, Collier was more impressed by his side’s work in defence and their ability to retain their shape.

He said: “Newport started with their full side which made the result even more pleasing for me.

“I said to the players before kick-off that the game wasn’t about the result, it was about the performance and not getting tired in the legs.

“We were a little light on numbers which made it even more pleasing.

“There are lots of positives. We kept our shape against a team that passed the ball well.

“We always looked a threat going forward to, we got minutes into players and came away unscathed.”

Compton’s 20-yard strike proved little surprise for Collier, who snapped up the winger following his departure from Bath City.

With experience at clubs ranging from West Bromwich Albion, Brighton and Hove Albion and Portsmouth, manager Collier knows he can place faith in the experienced 29-year-old.

“Jack’s got great quality and he produced that against us when he played for Bath, so we were fully aware of what he can produce,” said Collier.

“He was one of the positives along with a lot of other things. We defended very well and didn’t have to make any last-ditch tackles, which was good to see.”

Chippenham are next in action against Swindon Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm) in another home friendly.

Collier added: “We’ve climbed the league ladder and we feel like we can offer them something.

“Swindon will certainly bring something to the party as a good professional team attracts a nice local crowd, which benefits both clubs.”

Chippenham Town are inviting supporters to a ‘Meet the Manager’ session at their Hardenhuish Park clubhouse on Friday, July 27 starting at 7.30pm, when manager Mark Collier will set out his aims for the coming season and be available to answer fans’ questions.