MARK Collier has backed summer signing Andy Sandell to be the difference for Chippenham Town this season after his goals wrapped up a perfect first week for the Bluebirds.

After firing a stoppage time winner in Town’s opening day triumph at Dunstable Town in Evo-Stik League Southern Premier on Saturday, Sandell got both goals as Chippenham saw off Bideford at Hardenhuish Park on Tuesday night.

Collier swooped for Sandell’s services after the former Newport County captain was released from Rodney Parade at the end of last season and the Bluebirds chief is delighted to see him hit the ground running as they look to challenge for honours this term.

“Everyone is looking for that one quality striker who will get them 25 goals a season,” said Collier, whose side finished 11th in 2014-15.

“If you have someone who will do that you should be in a pretty good position come the end of the season.

“Last season our defence was as good as anyone in the league and I think we had one of the fewest goals conceded but our goals for record wasn’t as good.

“Andy’s off to a great start and he’s not a player who will be short on confidence. He has come in and done well, he is easy to manage and he’ll be a big player for us.

“When you have someone like that up front who you know will get you a goal when you need it, it gives everyone else confidence as well.

“On Tuesday he went through twice and I just knew he was going to score, I probably couldn’t have said that last season.

“It’s the same at the other end with Kent (Kauppinen). If the other team goes through I think Kent will make a save and if Andy is in on goal I think he will score every time.

“I think he has had four chances over the two games and got three goals. We’re delighted with how he’s done.”

Town will go in search of a third straight win when they entertain league newcomers Bedworth United on Saturday.

The reigning Division One Central champions have so far failed to pick up a point this term and Collier knows his troops have a big opportunity to lay down another marker.

“If we could get another win it would be the perfect start,” said Collier, who then takes his team to Poole Town on Tuesday night.

“We set the target of trying to get nine points from the first three games and I said to the players that Bedworth could come up here with no points and we could have six, and that’s the case.

“They are new to the division and it’s quite a step up. We will start as favourites and we are growing in confidence but I’d like us to play better than we have been.”

Full-back Conor McCormack is a doubt for the game after limping off against Bideford with a hamstring injury, while midfielder Jordan Roberts is definitely out.