MARK Collier has set his sights a pair of wins over the Easter period to all but guarantee Chippenham Town’s survival in National League South.

The Bluebirds moved nine points clear of the drop zone with an impressive 2-0 victory away at East Thurrock United last Saturday and are now up to 16th in the table.

Chippenham face the side immediately below them – Eastbourne Borough – at home on Saturday before then travelling to those directly above them – Oxford City – on Easter Monday.

Collier’s troops have collected nine of the last 12 points available to them and the Chippenham chief has now set his sights on six more.

“We are nine points clear of Poole in the relegation zone and although I know they have got a game in hand, there is a lot for them to do,” said Collier.

“Eastbourne at home on Saturday is a huge game for us. We haven’t got a midweek game, so we can train properly and make sure a plan is in place.

“The Monday game is always a difficult game. Although I know logistically it is okay to get to Oxford, it is a game that comes right on the back of another game 48 hours earlier.

“We will chop and change the team around and try to win both games – that’s the plan.

“If we can’t win both games, then we will try to get as many points as we can.”

After being stuck in the lower reaches of the table for most of their debut campaign as a National League club following last season’s Southern League title triumph, Collier is thrilled to see his team hit their stride.

However, the Bluebirds boss does not want to simply make up the numbers and is now keen for his troops to kick on over the closing weeks.

“We have got six games left. That’s 18 points available and we want to try to get as many as we can,” said Collier.

“We don’t just want to stay up in the division, we want to be as progressive as we can.”

Having hit top form at the right time, Collier says he never doubted the quality within the squad, adding that the mood within the camp never dampened despite some disappointing results.

“The lads are in good heart and good spirits. We have worked hard over the last four or five weeks to get where we are,” said Collier.

“Our away form has not been great but Saturday’s result made it two wins on the road in the last three or four weeks, and that is particularly pleasing.

“The mentality is good. It has been a good month for us so far.”