Collier Sets Points Target For Chippenham To Avoid The Drop

On Monday night they were defeated 1-0 against Gloucester City with a late Ethan Moore strike meaning they remain just four points clear of the drop zone, writes Tom Feaheny.

"At half-time it was a bit of a nil game, we know how valuable a point can be, we knew about their threat from set-pieces, we didn't defend that properly that was disappointing," Collier reflected on the result to Oli Osborn.

"I felt some players disappeared and that was disappointing but we have to go again on Saturday, that is our mentality."

When it comes to what is needed, Collier believes if his side can get to 44 points that will be enough to ensure they have another season in the Vanarama National League South.

"Twelve more points for us then asks a lot of the teams around us, we are one of the seven teams fighting to stay up, we need the players to stand up and be counted.

"In the last three games we have hit the bar three times, we can't feel sorry for ourselves, we have to get those wins, that gives the teams below us a lot to do."

Chippenham are the eighth best team at home yet have the worst away record in the league so far this campaign, Collier knows the importance of their form at Hardenhuish Park, while not wanting to solely rely on it.

"We are in a dogfight with six or seven other teams, I don't want us to pin our hopes on winning our home games.

"The points we have picked up at home is right up there with the sides going for promotion, yet we want to be picking up points away as well to be sure."

"We know we can compete, we have proven it, we have picked up points against the teams fighting for gain promotion. We have a squad of 20 and ten games left, we need to get four wins, our home form is as good as anyone."

They are next up against the bottom side in the league, yet a team who have only lost once in their last six matches, Collier knows Whitehawk will test his side.

"I think they will expect to beat us, they have a squad that is in form, the recruitment they have made, some of them are outstanding, I see their side as a top five or six team, with what they have now."

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