CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier admitted that his side’s 3-2 win over Salisbury in the FA Trophy did not make for easy watching.

The Bluebirds were made to fight all the way for their passage into the next round by their Southern League Division One South & West opponents.

The visitors were on the back foot from the off as Diak John failed to control a high ball and Greg Tindle’s attempt to head back to goalkeeper Darren Chitty fell short, with Justin Bennett on hand to poach the opener.

Chippenham responded immediately and after Dave Pratt saw an effort come back off the post, the Bluebirds striker was able to make amends and find the net minutes later with a spectacular overhead kick.

Chippenham took the lead with three minutes of the first half left when Will Richards bundled home a corner conceded by Elliott Wheeler.

However, their lead lasted just two minutes as Tommy Wright fired home before the break.

Stern words were said at half time and while Chippenham had chances to put the tie to bed in the second period, they had to wait until stoppage time as Andy Sandell’s long throw into the box was turned home by Pratt.

“I imagine from the stands it was a decent game to watch. Five goals, one in the opening seconds and one in the last minute, so I assume it was quite decent,” said Collier.

“But from my perspective, it wasn’t a great affair. We had the idea to get through and that is what we have managed to do.

“It’s very important we managed to get the winner, not just financially but it keeps the momentum going and keeps spirits up.

“We felt we were below par but we managed to grind out a victory through real effort and resolve, so credit to the players for that.

“It was 2-2 at half-time and we had a few harsh words. We said: ‘If we don’t concede in the second half and score, we’ll be okay, but if we just don’t concede, we are happy with the replay’.

“We kept on working, made some substitutions and David Pratt has come up with a winner in the 90th minute.

“In fairness, I think we were the more dominant side in the second half; our goalkeeper didn’t have a save to make.”