A FLYING start from Chippenham Town gave their National League South survival hopes another big shot in the arm as they saw off Weston-super-Mare 2-0 at home.

Andy Sandell fired the Bluebirds ahead after just nine minutes and Mark Collier’s side were well on their way to a second straight league win – and third in a row in all competitions – just three minutes later when Mike Jones hit the back of the net.

Chippenham were 3-1 winners away at basement boys Whitehawk last weekend before following that up with an 8-0 thrashing of Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-finals in midweek, and this latest victory has moved them seven points clear of the bottom three.

Manager Collier said: “It was a good result for us. Having got a big three points last Saturday, it was very good to back that up.

“We knew Weston would have a lot of possession. They play from the back and play quite an expansive game, so once we got those two early goals, the whole game changed and we could just sit in and almost play like an away team on the counter.

“Weston had a couple of chances and Jared Thompson pulled off a couple of good saves in goal and the three centre-backs made some good blocks.

“We possibly could have been a bit better going forward but at half-time we stressed that we were 2-0 up so if we kept a clean sheet, we would win the game, and that is what we did.

“The game plan worked and we are happy to get three points, especially as some of the other teams did not pick up any points.”

Results-wise, the Bluebirds have hit their stride over the last week but Collier believes there has been an upturn in form for his side dating much further back than that.

“Although results over the last six weeks haven’t been that fantastic, our form has gradually improved,” said Collier.

“We have been tighter and more organised, we have got strength off the bench and confidence is as high as it has been this season, so we are in a good place.”

Chippenham are at home again on Tuesday night and host a Concord Rangers side sitting just one place above the relegation zone.