Chippenham Town’s Collier hopes team build on rest week against Welling

By Matt Bishop
Chippenham Town manager Mark Collier hopes his side can make the most of their recent weekend off by sealing back-to-back wins this Saturday.
The Bluebirds thrashed Hemel Hempstead Town 5-1 just over two weeks ago, but were denied the opportunity to build momentum last weekend following their early exit from the FA Cup.
However, after playing a staggering 13 games in the opening seven weeks of the season, Collier believes the rest could prove to be a blessing as they prepare to travel to Welling on Saturday.
“We have had Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday football back-to-back since the start of the season and we have picked up injuries along the way,” Collier told The Gazette & Herald.
“We have had two or three lads carrying knocks so hopefully a little break will do them good.
“We would have liked to have backed up the last victory with another game but we knew we were in for an enforced break.
“I think the players were looking forward to that, I know I certainly was, and hopefully we can come back in refreshed and ready to go again.”
The upcoming trip to The Wings provides Chippenham with the chance to continue their impressive start to life in the National League South, following last season’s Southern League triumph.
With four wins, and 15 points, from their opening 12 games, Collier’s men have adapted well to this level, but the manager knows Welling – who are undefeated in five matches – pose a difficult test.
“They are on a good unbeaten run. They started quite poorly but they have picked up. They are the home side so the onus will be on them,” said Collier.
“We know it’s difficult to go away and get a result in this division but we do know the pitch is decent there.
“We are in confident mood, as they will be, so hopefully it is a decent game of football. If we can come back home with something from the performance we will be pleased.”