CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier insists defeating recently promoted Slough Town at Hardenhuish Park on Tuesday night was no mean feat.

The Bluebirds recorded their first points of this season’s Vanarama National League South campaign as Nat Jarvis’ second-half strike proved enough to separate both sides.

Following a below-par defensive performance against Hemel Hempstead, which saw Town concede four goals on Saturday, Collier was pleased to see his troops record their first competitive clean sheet of the season.

He said: “It was a good three points for us, especially given how difficult it can be to play against teams that have just been promoted.

“Slough were really up for it on Tuesday and it was their first away game, so they brought a fairly big following with them.

“We had to really show another side to us following Saturday.

“The pitch was a little difficult, so we had to have a lot of grit and determination while making sure we defended in a resolute manner. And we did just that.

“We did all the ugly things right, and that ultimately helped us manage to get over the line.”

Collier was keen to remind his players of Chippenham’s approach to league games from 12 months ago when they were first experiencing step two non-league football.

Knowing Slough would be prepared to run through brick walls to earn points, Collier adopted a defensive strategy in the opening 45 – hoping mistakes by the visitors later on in the game could then be exploited.

“This time last year we managed to get a draw against Havant and Waterlooville before going to Bath and scoring five goals in our first away game,” said Collier.

“We reminded the players of that before last night’s game. We had to be ready for Slough to come flying out of the blocks.

“The first half was the way we wanted it, although we were being positive we wanted to be defensively sound and strong and that’s how it turned out to be.

“The game was always likely to be one of those one goal games or one where a mistake would help get one team across the line. Nat Jarvis finished well and got us those vital three points.”

The win lifted Chippenham into 11th place after securing three points from their opening two games.

With a tricky home tie against Welling on Saturday, Collier highlighted the importance of Tuesday night’s goalscorer Jarvis and the influence he will have on the team throughout the season.

Collier said: “Nat works his socks off for the team.

“I was particularly pleased for him because his work rate, desire and application deserves reward.

“His goal is good for him, the club and most importantly the supporters.”