CHIPPENHAM Town chief Mark Collier says his side must believe in themselves after being tasked with overcoming higher league opposition to reach the FA Cup first round.

A 3-0 win at Southern Division One Central side Uxbridge last Saturday earned the Bluebirds a place in the fourth qualifying round draw and they were subsequently pitted against Maidstone United of National League South.

With just one win separating his side from a potential meeting with Football League opposition, Collier is hungry to succeed when the two sides go head-to-head at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday, October 24.

However, the Bluebirds boss is under no illusions of the task ahead of his side, with Maidstone boasting a near-perfect record on the road this season.

“We are in good form so we will look at it as a winnable game,” said Collier.

“We’re at home and that’s what you want but we’ve looked at their record and their away form is very impressive.

“I think they’ve only conceded one goal away from home this season and they went to Ebbsfleet and won earlier this month, and I’d think they would be one the favourites to win the Conference South this season.

“I’d expect them to bring a fair few supporters and that’ll make for a fantastic occasion and one we are looking forward to.

“We will start the game as the underdogs and I’m sure they will come here expecting to win but sometimes being the favourites adds a little bit of pressure and we have to look to take advantage of that if it creeps into their game.

“Getting to the first round would be huge. The reward is not just financial or an achievement for the players, it’s the things that come with it.

“Anything can happen in the first round but its one step at a time and we’re not looking any further than Maidstone and I am sure they will feel the same way.”

Ashan Holgate headed Chippenham into a first-half lead at Uxbridge before Alex Ferguson doubled the advantage shortly after half-time.

The Bluebirds made the game safe seven minutes from time when Andy Sandell added a third.

Before they resume their FA Cup quest, Chippenham have two Southern League Premier Division matches to negotiate, starting at Stratford Town on Saturday.

Mark Preece is a big doubt with a knee problem, while Iain Harvey and Michael Pook both face fitness tests.

Conor McCormack is available again after suspension but Luke Ballinger will miss the next three matches as he is away with the England futsal team.

Collier said: “We have two important league games coming up and that is our focus.

“Stratford are newly-promoted and this level is a big step up from the league below but there are no gimmes in this division.”