BLUEBIRDS boss Mark Collier says his side are desperate to kill off the threat of relegation with victory against Banbury United this weekend.

Three points on Saturday would safeguard Town’s place in the Premier Division while the Bluebirds would also be safe if AFC Totton lose to play-off hopefuls Stourbridge.

Banbury belied their recent poor form with a 6-4 win over Biggleswade Town on Tuesday but despite being down to the bare bones for this weekend’s match, Collier is hopeful that his team can get themselves over the line.

“We had a great result last weekend and we want to follow that up by getting some more points on the board as soon as we can to allay any worries of relegation,” he said.

“We’re going to lose Lee Phillips for the last three games of the season after his red card (at Truro) and Alan Griffin also picked up a bit of a knock to his knee.

“Aaron Oakley’s loan is up and he’s gone back to Swindon, and we’ve also got Iain Harvey, Callum Wright and, of course, Rob Dean, all missing, so we really are threadbare.

“That’s why it’s important for us to try and pick up those points as quickly as we can.”

Blackmore welcomes an invasion

CHAIRMAN Neil Blackmore wants to see local fans unite with Chippenham’s Viking army at Hardenhuish Park this weekend.

Around 30 members of the Bluebirds’ Norwegian Supporters’ Club are expected to make the trip to watch Collier’s men take on Banbury, with the match kicking off at 3.07pm to mark the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere, just like it has been in the past, especially because everyone’s in good spirits after a good result last weekend,” said Blackmore.

“Hopefully a few more local fans will come along to get involved because the Norwegians always make tonnes of noise.

“They like to drink a lot but they never cause any trouble and they’ve always been quite funny, really.

“If only they lived closer because I’d love to have them over every week.”

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