MARK Collier reckons the future of Chippenham Town is in good shape after a youthful Bluebirds side swept past Larkhall Athletic 4-1 in the first round last night.

With Town in the midst of a Southern League Premier Division title challenge, as well as FA Cup and FA Trophy quests to contend with, this competition is not high on Collier's list of priorities.

The Bluebirds therefore made a raft of changes to the side that triumphed at Uxbridge in the FA Cup on Saturday, but they were still too strong for the lower-league Larks.

"We made 10 changes to the team that played on Saturday which made it even more impressive," said Collier.

"We had six Park players, one from the development team and the rest have been on the bench for the first team.

"I have been impressed with how the younger lads are coming through and that only bodes well for the club.

"It’s great to see as the first-team manager, it might mean more opportunities will come their way as I know they can be relied upon if they are needed for the first team."

Chippenham Park player Ahoune Diouf headed Chippenham into a first-half lead before Luke Ballinger doubled the advantage from the penalty spot earlier in the second half.

Although the Larks threatened to make a game of it when the reduced the deficit, further strikes from Ollie Taylor and Callum McCormack put the result beyond doubt.

Collier added: "It started quite slowly and we missed a few chances early on but we eventually did get in front through a header from Diouf.

"The second goal meant they had to come forward a bit more and it opened up some space and, by the end, we ran out comfortable winners.

"The games are coming thick and fast and it was one we probably could have done without but in the end we fielded a team that ended up looking very strong, so that’s going to bode well for us going forwards."