CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier believes it is important to maintain perspective after watching his side lose 2-1 to St Neots Town at Hardenhuish Park.

Collier’s men, who had already wrapped up the Southern League title without kicking a ball, struggled from the start.

Jevani Brown pounced in the 10th minute to chip a stranded Darren Chitty as the visitors took a surprise lead in front of over 1100 fans.

After a quiet end to the first 45 minutes, the second-half got off to a disastrous start for the Bluebirds when Chitty gave away a penalty.

The Chippenham stopper collided with Brown in the opening exchanges of the second period before guessing the wrong way as Brown slotted the ball low to Chitty’s right.

Alex Ferguson managed to pull one back for the hosts, but it was too little too late as Chippenham saw their 23-game unbeaten run brought to an abrupt end.

“I’m disappointed because we have had a great turn out and we just haven’t performed from kick-off really,” said Collier

“The kick-off was sloppy and that almost set the tone. I shouldn’t be disappointed because that is the fifth game we have lost this season so I’m not going to get in the boys about that.

“We were on the back foot compared to where we want us to be. We have to look at the bigger picture which is the title.

“I’m chuffed to bits for everybody. I can see what it means to so many people at the club so when we calm down and realise what we have done here then we should be very proud.”

While the game was at 2-1 to the visitors, Collier did all he could to get his troops back in front.

Defender Will Richards was ordered to play alongside David Pratt upfront for the closing stages of the game as Chippenham went close to grabbing an equaliser.

“We gambled and put three at the back. We pushed the big one up front just to see what might come from it,” added Collier.

“Credit to them because they defended well and their keeper made a couple of good saves. But we gave away two shocking goals.

“Our two centre halves have been as good as you get but today, they were not where we wanted them to be.”

Collier will now turn his attention to Easter Monday where his outfit will travel to Frome.