CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier saluted some capital gain after his side navigated a tricky trip to London to march into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The Bluebirds faced a potential banana skin as they took a step into the unknown at Evo-Stik League Southern Division One Central Uxbridge but a consummate display saw Collier’s men dispatch their opponents 3-0 to move one step away from the first round proper, banking £7,500 in prize money along the way.

Ashan Holgate headed in from James Guthrie’s delivery before Alex Ferguson and Andy Sandell netted in the second period to leave Chippenham looking forward to Monday lunchtime’s draw.

“I said before the game that they wouldn’t have better players than us, so the only way they were going to beat us was by working harder than us but it was a very professional performance from us,” said Hardenhuish Park chief Collier.

“We got off to a particularly good start through Ashan Holgate’s goal and then Alex Ferguson has scored from a free-kick routine and Andy Sandell has got our third.

“We looked a solid unit and £7,500 in prize money is great for the club and we can look forward to the next round now, where the Conference (Premier) clubs come in.

“It was a job well done and we’re very happy with it – we’ve had a pretty good start to the season.”

Chippenham did lose Michael Pook to a groin injury during the first half of their clash with Uxbridge whilst fellow midfielde Iain Harvey was also left complaining of a tight hamstring.

Luke Ballinger also missed out with an ankle problem whilst Conor McCormack was suspended.

On Tuesday evening, Collier will be shuffling his pack as the Bluebirds host Larkhall Athletic in the first round of the Red Insure Cup.