MARK Collier has said that there is no reason why Chippenham can't be competing at the top next season after watching his side grab a late winner at home to Poole Town.

The south coast side headed into their clash with the Bluebirds as the leaders of the Southern League but a late Ashan Holgate strike gave Collier's side all three points.

Chippenham restricted the number of chances the visitors were able to muster and the Bluebirds sent a warning sign when Alex Ferguson saw an effort pushed onto the post in the 79th minute.

The break-through did come for Chippenham in the 85th minute when the ball ricocheted around the Poole box and Holgate was able to slot the ball past Nick Hutchings.

"The all round performance was really pleasing," said Collier. "We were strong and compact at the back and they didn't really trouble our goalkeeper too much other than a few crosses.

"We always looked a threat going forward so overall I think we were good value for the victory.

"We decided we would get very tight to them, we sat off them a bit at their place so we decided to squeeze the game and that is how we went about our business.

"That was the key to it and to make sure we picked up their runners all around the pitch because they do have good movement.

"We got people behind the ball because we knew we had enough going forward to trouble them and that is exactly how the game panned out and we scored a great goal late on.

"The lads have shown some great character since Christmas, since we become more of a settled unit and we are looking very much like a team at the moment and that is not only pleasing for now but also for next season.

"We're certainly going in the right direction.

"Poole are a top team without a doubt, and I think they will go on to win the league, but overall you wouldn't know they were 25, or whatever it is, points off better off than us.

"The league table doesn't lie though they are at the top for a reason but if we keep producing the performances we did yesterday there is no reason why we can't be up there next season."

Chippenham now have a quick turnaround as they prepare to face Frome Town tomorrow.

Collier will be sweating over the fitness of Conor McCormack, who departed Saturday's game with a tight hamstring, and Michael Pook, who also got withdrawn early with a sore groin.

"It has always been close games and very competitive games," added Collier.

"It is a local derby and they are fighting at the wrong end of the table because they have had lots of injuries and suspensions but they are back to full strength now.

"They have ran into some good form of late so it will be difficult, but we should go there in confident form and looking to make it three wins on the spin."