CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier is hoping that new signing Ashan Holgate can add another dimension to his frontline options.

The 28-year-old striker came close to marking his Bluebirds debut with a goal in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to St Neots Town after being reunited with his former Swindon Supermarine manager at Hardenhuish Park.

Collier revealed that Holgate, who made nine first team for Swindon Town and has also had spells at the likes of Weston-super-Mare, Maidenhead United and Oxford City, had been training with his side for weeks before signing on in the lead-up to Saturday’s clash with the Saints.

“Obviously, I know Ashan from Swindon Supermarine. He’s not been playing this season due to work etc but he’s been training with us for a few weeks,” said Collier.

“We wanted to keep that quiet. He’s done particularly well in training and I think he’ll be a good addition to the attacking side of things.

“He started up front with Alan Griffin last weekend and that’s the kind of role we see him in. He can play in midfield too. He’s not a prolific goalscorer but he brings other people into play well. It’s a good signing.”

Meanwhile, Collier says that he got straight to work on finding a goalkeeper to deputise for stopper Kent Kauppinen following his red card last weekend.

The Chippenham chief said: “I started working on it straight after the game. We’re expecting Kent to be banned for one game and that will be the game on New Year’s Day at home to Frome Town.

“We’ve talked to a few people and I’m sure that we’ll be able to get someone in.”

Luke Ballinger is back available for this weekend’s trip to Bideford after missing the game against St Neots through England futsal duty whilst James Guthrie and Ryan Campbell also return.

Jordan Roberts remains an injury doubt whilst Conor McCormack is still ruled out and Matt Coupe is away at a family wedding.

CHIPPENHAM Park’s George Nash scored his first goal for the England futsal team in their 3-2 friendly victory over Andorra on Saturday. Chippenham Town’s Luke Ballinger was also on target in England’s subsequent 3-2 victory in the principality on Sunday.