CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier says Saturday's 1-0 win over Torquay United is the perfect illustration of the progress the club have made in recent years.

Matt Smith got the only goal of this National League South game as the Bluebirds stretched their good run to three wins out of five, lifting them to seventh in the table.

Five years ago, Chippenham were preparing for a season in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division, while Torquay were about to embark on a League Two campaign.

This weekend, Collier was able to navigate a way past the former Football League side, and the Town boss believes the club should pay themselves some credit.

“I think the win shows how far we have come. I was listening to people yesterday and they were saying they remembered when we played Torquay’s reserves,” said. Collier

“I know people talk about Torquay sliding down the leagues, but we should pay ourselves a tribute for being in this league.

“We were able to go toe-to-toe with a full-time club. Being full-time has massive bearings on preparations for Saturdays.

“Credit to the whole playing squad, and credit to the large away support too because they really got behind us when we were under the cosh a little bit.

“It was a good day out for Chippenham Town.”

The week leading up to the game saw Collier dealt a blow with regards to his goalkeepers. While Will Puddy remains sidelined with a long-term injury, Chippenham had signed youngster Will Henry on loan from Swindon Town but were unable to extend his stay.

Collier was then able to recruit Cameron Gregory from Shrewsbury Town, but he was soon recalled after the League One side lacked cover due to an injury, which resulted in the arrival of Bradley House from West Bromwich Albion until January.

“We signed Gregory and then, unfortunately, one of the first-team keepers got injured during training at Friday lunchtime,” added Collier.

“I got a call from Shrewsbury to say they’d have to take him back, which I respect and understand.

“Then we are left with a few hours to get a new goalkeeper, and I was ringing just about everyone in the world.

“I stayed in contact with Steve Hale, who put me in touch with someone else and he made some calls himself.

“We located Brad at West Brom. He played on Saturday and did very well.

"He didn’t have too much to do, by his own admission, but he was more than competent at what he did.

“He’s a very capable goalkeeper and he’s been playing for their U23s side regularly, so we have taken him until January and we have to thank West Brom for letting him come here.”