CHIPPENHAM Town responded to last week’s defeat in the perfect way, according to manager Mark Collier.

The Bluebirds were dumped out of the FA Cup by Weymouth seven days ago, but bounced back in formidable fashion with a 5-1 National League South triumph over Hemel Hempstead.

Swindon Town loanee Scott Twine and David Pratt both scored twice, while Matt Smith also notched for the Bluebirds.

“It was a very good day for us on the back of a couple of disappointing results. I decided in the early part of last week to change the system around,’’ said Collier.

“We did that. We worked on it and we have put in a decent performance and scored five goals so we are particularly pleased.

“We changed things around and it was a five-star performance.”

With a run of three defeats across all competitions going into the game, Collier believes the performance was a much-needed boost in confidence for his troops, who are not in action next weekend due to the FA Cup.

“We needed to up the ante a little bit and that is what we managed to do. It’s an important result and it gives us a bit of confidence,” he added.

“Without a game next week it was important for us to get some points on the board in the league.

“I think the break is a good thing really because we still have some players who are playing with injuries and knocks.

“We have been playing on every Saturday and every Tuesday so the break will do us some good.”

When they do return to action against Welling United in two weeks’ time, Collier will be unable to pick striker Jake Andrews, as he has returned to his parent club, Bristol City.

“Jake’s loan was up this week so we were aware that he could be recalled, but they are particularly pleased with him,’’ added Collier.

“We knew he was a loan player. I’m disappointed because he has been a key player for us, but his career is going to be made at Bristol City.

“He goes with our very best wishes.”