TEN-MAN Chippenham Town slipped out of the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division play-off places on Saturday after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Chesham United.

The Bluebirds have taken just a single point from a possible six against the Buckinghamshire side over the past week, with last weekend’s result stretching their winless run to four matches.

Chippenham were already behind due to a 22nd minute Stephen Hamilton-Forbes goal when defender Jon Beeden was shown a straight red for a foul as the last man.

Bluebirds boss Mark Collier was keen to play down the dip as his side’s promotion push enters the last seven games.

He said: “We have lost a game of football; that’s all we have done. We are not in a massive slump, we are in a blip. We are in a great position.

“There’s lots of points to play for we are in a great position. We need to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

“It’s an exciting period of the season to be in. There’s a bit of a dip at the moment but we are fully confident in our ability.”

Despite being down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half, Collier said his team could still have still got a point at the Meadow.

“We just lacked a bit of desire and application,” he said.

“We were outfought but we were unfortunate, with 10 men, not to get an equaliser. Chesham are on a good run. It was always going to be a difficult game on a difficult pitch.

“The tide will turn. Lady luck will start shining on us, so we need to make we stay positive.”

Collier is also hoping that the return of three key Bluebirds men will give his side a much-needed boost ahead of their trip to Leamington next weekend.

“Hopefully, Andy Sandell and Leigh Henry should be clear of injury,” he said.

“With Matt Smith back from suspension, they’ll all come straight back into the squad. They’re three influential players, ones most teams would like to have. That gives everyone a lift.”