CHIPPENHAM Town will draw on their potent strikeforce in one of their sternest tests yet in the National League South.

The newly-promoted side host Chelmsford City, who are third from top, at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday.

Town showed no sign of first season nerves as they secured a 3-1 away win in blustery conditions at Bognor Regis last weekend.

Young prospect Scott Twine, on loan from Swindon Town, opened the scoring with a composed close-range finish as the visitors put in a confident attacking display.

However, a much tougher examination of the Bluebirds’ mettle is expected from the at the Essex side, who are tied on points with Braintree Town and leaders Dartford, and looking to seal a hat-trick of wins.

Chippenham manager Mark Collier said: “We are certainly playing one of the big leaders in the division, that goes without saying.

“They are a big experienced club and rightfully one of the pre-season favourites for promotion.

“They are defensively very tight and physically very strong.

“It’s going to be a tough match but one of the reasons we got promoted was to play big sides and we are looking forward to it.”

Chippenham can be encouraged by their positive attacking display at Bognor, which has given them a mid-table foothold.

David Pratt and Michael Jones secured victory after Twine’s opener, with Bognor’s Ibra Sekajja grabbing a late consolation.

“We have a fairly decent record at home and we are used to going to into games as underdogs,” Collier said. “For a newly-promoted side we have settled in nicely and have had some fantastic performances and some which have been not so good.

“We would like to find some consistency and that comes with team selection which is not always easy due to players’ suspensions, injuries and illnesses.

“However we are aware of how big the league is we are currently playing in and we are going to fight for every single point.”

Twine has impressed with his technique and desire since joining on loan from Swindon, where the 18-year-old is a first-year pro.

The forward has scored three goals but also fitted in well at his adopted side.

“He’s done well for us and we’re hoping he can help us at the same time as he develops,” Collier said. “He is playing competitive football in a very physical league.”