CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier was pleased to take the result from a tough second round qualifying tie at local rivals Bradford Town, but struggled to put his finger on his side's defensive frailties at Trowbridge Road.

The Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division leaders eventually progressed 3-2, striker Lee Phillips nodding home the winner 10 minutes from time, but only after twice fighting back from a goal down as Bradford took advantage of poor marking.

Chippenham are now just two wins from a place in the first round proper and Collier was just happy to take the result, while admitting the enquiry was well under way as to why his side had looked so dubious at bthe back.

"We've been so strong defensively, we've done really well (so far this season), but we've looked all over the place and we don't really know the reasons why,'' said Collier.

"They (Bradford) obviously got people behind the ball and the big lad up front (Neikell Plummer) kept the ball well for them and they caused us a few problems.

"We knew it would be a difficult place to come. You don't beat Hungerford over two games (as Bradford did in the last round) unless you have got something about you.

"They had everything to win and nothing to lose. They went ahead and we got the equaliser but then we gave a second goal away through poor defending, which was very disappointing.

"But it is about winning football matches in the FA Cup - I think if we win another nine we'll be at Wembley!''

Chippenham have made a fine start to the season, sitting top of the table in the league as well as making progress in the cup but Collier hinted that his future starting line-up might need freshening up.

"We've had a lot of games in a short space of time and we've got a few walking wounded, a few injuries and we might need to contemplate moving around some players due to the fact that they're tired.'' he added.

"Credit to Bradford, they had a right go at us. It was about a one-off game and we're glad we got through.

"I don't think the club budget for the finances from the FA Cup but that's £4,500 the club has one now which is an awful lot of money for a one-off game of football.

"The lads have earned themselves a little bonus from the chairman so credit to them for that. It was a difficult place to come but they've come through.''

The Bluebirds play Frome in the league on Tuesday and Collier added: "It's another difficult game because they've picked up considerably since we've last played them.

"I think we've played 13 games and lost one, so we've done particularly well and the lads have got into a winning habit.

"Our players are disappointed with the way we played and rightly so, which shows how far we've come but we'll take the positives from it and move on.''