CHIPPENHAM Town pulled nine points clear of the relegation zone in National League South with a 2-0 success away at East Thurrock United on Saturday.

Alex Ferguson put the Bluebirds ahead after half-an-hour in Essex before Josh Smile sealed the win when he doubled the lead midway through the second half.

Boss Mark Collier was particularly pleased with his side’s defensive effort as Chippenham were largely able to keep East Thurrock striker Sam Higgins – who tops the division’s scoring charts on 22 – quiet all afternoon.

The victory was a third in four games for Collier's side, with the only blight on that recent record a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Concord Rangers the previous Tuesday.

Collier said: “We had a hiccup on Tuesday and no one has happy about it.

“We made some changes on Saturday and everyone took what we said on board and we ended up coming away with three points.

“It was a very good win and it ends up being three massive points once you get back on the coach and check all the other results.

“It was a good performance. It is a difficult place to go, the pitch is not great but they are very competitive and very physical and we stood up to that.

“They have got the league’s leading scorer in Higgins and he was well-shackled.

“We were impressive all over the pitch and there were some very good performances. I am pleased to go away from home and score two goals and even more pleased with the clean sheet.”

Smile’s goal was a first in the league for the young striker since his switch to Hardenhuish Park in the latter half of last year and Collier was delighted to see him break that duck.

“He has been fantastic in training,” said Collier.

“He drives from the other side of Oxford every week to train twice a week. He doesn’t complain, he has waited for his chance. He is a talented boy.

“He worked hard on Saturday and got his rewards with a goal.”