CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier knows that none of his midfielders can take their places for granted after the arrival of Harry Grant.

The Hardenhuish Park boss was looking to freshen up his team after a run of seven games without a win in all competitions.

Former Swindon youth team captain Grant was brought in on Tuesday and had an immediate effect as Town returned to winning ways in the Red Insure Cup.

“We’ve been on a bit of poor form and we needed to freshen things up,” said Collier. “I’ve always said that if a player becomes available who will make a difference then we would be interested in signing them.

“Harry has come from good stock. An ex-Swindon youth player and then he has gone to Sheffield Wednesday and has played in the conference from Bromley.

“He has had a little down time and we had the opportunity to sign him. He came on and we saw he will bring an energy and a tenacity to our midfield.

“It is always nice to have that competition for places and it keeps people on their toes.”

Grant played 45 minutes from the bench in the 4-1 cup win over Bridgwater to progress to the next round.

Ryan Campbell opened the scoring before Matt Jones doubled the visitors’ advantage prior to the break, with Joey Fitzsimmons netting for the hosts before Ashan Holgate and an Andy Sandell penalty rounded off the scoring.

“We were heavy favourites to go and win the game and we have won the match at a canter,” said Collier.

“We’ve managed to juggle it around, however we have gone with the stronger squad to get some football inside them because it is better than having a training session and it worked out.”

Chippenham now look to return to winning ways in the league on Saturday with a trip to bottom-of the league Paulton Rovers.

“We’re in a great position going into November right in the play-off mix, but we know that Paulton will be very competitive,” said Collier.

“We know there are no easy games in this division but if we have ambitions of being in the play-offs then you have to go to those kind of grounds and win football matches.”

Chippenham: Kauppinen, Ballinger, Bevan (Grant 46), Allen, Beeden, Preece, Pook (Harvey 53), Campbell, Jones, Sandell, Guthrie (Holgate 69).

Subs not used: Taylor, Tindle.

Referee: Andrew Bennett Attendance: 81