CHIPPENHAM Town striker David Pratt believes he has completed his mission following the Bluebirds’ promotion to the National League.

The front man has chalked up 30 goals so far this season and with Andy Sandell notching 33 times they have been a formidable force for Mark Collier.

But Pratt, who failed to score in Chippenham’s 2-1 defeat to St Neots Town, revealed his main aim since rejoining the club was to help the Bluebirds gain promotion during his time at Hardenhuish Park.

Pratt was also quick to praise his 33-year-old strike partner and insists they can be just as deadly next season.

“I was a bit disappointed not to get the win but all in all it has been a fantastic season,” said Pratt

“We still wanted to come out and put a good performance on for the crowd. Hopefully a lot of them enjoyed the game anyway.

“Andy (Sandell) is a big strong lad who can hold the ball up. We work really well together, he’s scored a lot of goals and I have scored a lot of goals.

“We’ve both done it at a higher level anyway. Andy has obviously played a lot higher than I have but I played seven seasons in the Conference South.

“It’s been one of my ambitions when I came back to Chippenham. I wanted to win promotion with the club.

“So to come here and do it in the first season is a good achievement.”

While the striker is confident he can reproduce his good form next term, he is under no illusions it will be a tough campaign for Chippenham.

“The league above is a big step up. There are a lot of ex-players who have stepped down from the leagues and they drop into that league,” he added. 

“It’s a hard league. We are going to have to train hard over the summer and go for it next season.

“There are lot of local games next season. We will have Bath City, which will be a big game, Hungerford and Torquay United could be coming down.

“I don’t think we are a million miles away as a group from being able to be competitive in that league.

“It’s about consistency. We have shown we are capable of being consistent going 23 games unbeaten is one hell of a run.

“If we can just do that in the league above I think we will be able to hold our own.”