STEVE Winter blew his top at his players after the 3-0 loss to Chesham United and is demanding they make amends for a third league defeat in a row.

Winter, who also saw his side lose at Burnham and Bideford last week, says his team have been letting the club down with their recent performances.

With £2,700 of prize money on the line as Chippenham take on Calor League Division One Central outfit Chertsey Town in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy this weekend, the Bluebirds’ boss reckons his side have no option but to turn things around.

“I was really angry because it just wasn’t acceptable at all,” said Winter.

“It’s so frustrating because we set everything up right for them and we all look good in training but when it comes to the game – and it sounds like I’m talking about naughty schoolboys – they don’t do what they’re told.

“I’ve got big shoulders and I’m happy to take responsibility for our results but the players have let me down, they’ve let the club down and they’ve let the supporters down.

“They’re all good players and there are plenty who have been playing in this league for years and know what it’s all about but it’s up to them to show me a reaction.”

Winter said: “I’m dreading (this weekend’s clash with Chertsey) because it’s probably our biggest game of the season so far because of the prize money.

“We’re playing a side who are second-bottom of the league below us and that makes it a banana skin. The players know that they’ve got to perform.”

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