CHIPPENHAM Town chief Mark Collier has called for unity among the club as they aim to Bluebirds further strengthen their National League South position with a win over East Thurrock on Saturday.

After a run of three wins across all competitions, the Bluebirds were grounded after they beaten 2-1 by Concord Rangers at Hardenhuish Park on Tuesday night.

Following the result, Collier’s troops now occupy 17th place and are six points clear of Poole Town, who are in the last relegation spot.

Despite the disappointing midweek reverse, Collier insisted there are plenty of reasons to be positive.

“There was mass doom and gloom about the place and I understand that people are disappointed,” said Collier.

“I respect it. We need to get an even keel on it. We are in a relentless division and we have to dust ourselves off.

“I’m calling for some unity with everybody. The minute you get some splinters pulling away it makes things difficult. We need everybody pulling in the right direction from the chairman, right the way through to the youngest supporter.”

Collier now switches his focus to this weekend’s clash with East Thurrock and their star striker Sam Higgins, who has 22 league goals to his name this season.

“We are away to East Thurrock on Saturday, it is a long trip, an early start and they have the league’s leading goalscorer as well,” he added.

“They are just below the middle of the table and the fact they have the top scorer just shows how much of a threat he is going to be.

“That is another challenge for us, but we know we need some more points.

“I’m not feeling sorry for myself and I am not feeling sorry for the players either, we have to go there and go again.

“We know it is going to be difficult. There are three points on offer and we need to try and win three points. If we can’t get all three, then we need to try and get one.”

Fitness-wise, Mike Jones is a doubt after he was subbed off at half time on Tuesday night with a suspected cracked rib, while Nick McCootie continues his return.