CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier admits his side were fortunate to secure a point from their local derby with Frome Town.

The Bluebirds were forced to come from behind twice at home to their Somerset rivals as they moved up to fourth in Southern League Premier Division.

Jake Jackson’s header put the visitors in front after 16 minutes before Matt Smith scored against his former side to level matters.

However, Chippenham were behind at the break when Mike Bryant netted and they relied on a late goal from Alex Ferguson to salvage a point, much to Collier’s relief.

“From our point of view, it was a point gained because our performance was below-par to say the least,” he said.

“They started particularly well and we started poorly and were 1-0 down.

“We got a decent equaliser through Matt Smith and then really, in all fairness to them, it could have been 4-1 to them at half-time if it wasn’t for some wayward finishing and some blocks from us.

“We were happy to get in at half time 2-1 down and the second half, we started a little bit better. In the last 20 minutes, we were somewhere near where we want to be.

“We come back twice – that’s a positive, and we were playing the in-form team in the division.

“We’re certainly disappointed with our performance. We have had a long chat with the players afterwards and it is something we need to rectify.”

Despite drawing their fifth game in six outings, Chippenham could take some consolation as leaders Leamington and Slough Town both suffered defeats.

Collier is now turning his attentions to the second half of the season and with the return of skipper Greg Tindle from suspension for an important tie with league-leading Leamington this Saturday, the Hardenhuish Park chief does not see the need for any further reinforcements at this stage.

“We’ve got 20 games left, so we know there are 60 points on offer and that is a lot of football to be played,” he added.

“You get back into the dressing room and you find out that Slough have lost and Leamington have lost, so you just know what an unforgiving division this is.

“I think we have missed Tindle over the last three games. All clubs are going to miss players of Tindle’s ability and quality, so we will welcome him back next Saturday.

“We’re happy with what we have got. Obviously, if somebody becomes available who we think can make a difference and improve us, we will certainly be in the market for that.”