MARK Collier was rightly delighted on Saturday night after Chippenham Town showed character and desire to beat promotion-chasing Billericay Town for a second time this season.

The Bluebirds defeated Billericay 2-0 at home in August, and Dean Brennan’s side were downed again as Nat Jarvis and Carnell Chambers netted either side of half-time.

Chippenham are now 12th in the table, four points short of the play-off frame – though seventh placed Welling do have a game in hand.

Collier was most impressed by his side’s structure and ability to weather the home side’s early dominance – something which stood the Bluebirds in good stead for a forward-thinking display after both teams had settled into the game.

“It was a very pleasing performance, it wasn’t just a fantastic win on Saturday – but also a pleasing performance,” said Collier.

“We were very well organised, we were tight and competitive and our front three were always a threat.

“You know you’re always going to come under pressure against a good side like Billericay, and that happened but we weathered the storm.

“Then we got a foothold in the game and scored through some strong passing movement.

“They levelled, but we knew we could go on and win the game when we spoke at half time.

“We finished with a goal to win any game really, that ensured for a decent journey home.”

Budget restraints coupled with contracted players currently on the injury list means Collier is finding it hard to draft in fresh players to his squad that are capable of playing in the first team on a regular basis.

The Bluebirds boss is hopeful however that he will welcome multiple players back from injury for next week’s home task against Slough.

He said: “We’ve been in indifferent form lately, but we stuck together – and our togetherness and work rate has been spot on.

“This is a fantastic league to be – we’re going to some great ground to play against great teams and great players.

“And we’re standing toe-to-toe with each team every week.

“There are going to be hiccups, we understand that, but we’re pleased with where we are going.

“We’re searching for progression, and right now we are doing nicely. We know we’re not safe yet, but we’re looking up rather than down.

“Billericay have signed three good players this week – two of those being 18-month contracts.

“They’ve got experience all over the pitch and have plans to be in the play-offs, and rightfully so.

“The setup and the infrastructure they have is good, so to complete the double over them is something we should be pleased of.”