IT was a job well done for Mark Collier’s Chippenham Town side as they safely guided their way past Sholing and into the next round of the FA Cup, writes MATT EDWARDS.

A depleted Town side headed to the south coast for the FA Cup first round qualifying tie knowing that a potential cup upset was on the cards against the lower league opposition.

An early strike from Luke Ballinger settled any nerves the visitors may have had and they were able to see out the rest of the game to book their place in the next round.

“It was a potential banana skin for us so I am very pleased that we got the early goal which was important,” said Collier.

“I think we went there and did a professional job to get us through.

“I know how important these cup games are and I had the chairman reminding me of that so I am pleased we came away with the win.

“I said to the players that when they looked at the papers the next day there would be a few shock results and to make sure that they were not one of them.

“I think our players were better organised than they were and I always look at the opposition to see if there is anyone I could sign but I don’t think any of their players were better than what we have already got.”

He added: "I think we would just like a home tie in the next round.

“There are some quite good sides in there still and there are some sides from lower leagues so we will just have to see what we get and go from there.

“But for now it is back to concentrating on the league.”

MORE CHIPPENHAM TOWN NEWS IN THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND WILTSHIRE TIMES