MARK Collier lauded his “outstanding” Chippenham Town players as they continued their impressive record of bouncing back from defeat in National League South this season with a 2-0 win at home to Billericay Town on Saturday.

Nathaniel Jarvis and James Guthrie both struck in the second half at Hardenhuish Park as the Bluebirds claimed a third win of the season against the side that had been top of the table.

Saturday’s success marked the third time Collier’s men have claimed victory on the back of a defeat in their previous fixture, with the Chippenham boss crediting this latest triumph to a high level of intensity from his troops.

“It was an outstanding performance, there is no point in playing it down,” said Collier.

“We played against a top side who will expect to be around the top of the table for the rest of the season.

“It is well documented that they are well financed and have got decent players, and we have gone toe-to-toe with them and beaten a good side with a very good performance.

“The first goal came just after half-time, and after some good build-up play. Josh Smile played a fantastic cross and Nat Jarvis met it full on with a powerful header.

“Then for the second goal, Nick McCootie went through one-on-one with the keeper and the ball popped back towards James Guthrie and he smashed it in from 25 yards with a fantastic strike.

“Both goals merited winning football matches, so credit to those two players.

“We played with a lot of intensity. Before the game we talked about intensity, application and desire, and we produced those in abundance all around the pitch.”

Chippenham currently sit ninth in the table after picking up nine points from their opening six games of the season, and round off their August fixture list away at Hampton & Richmond Borough on Bank Holiday Monday.

With such a short turnaround between games, Collier plans to freshen up his side for the trip to London.

“They (Hampton) beat Torquay on Saturday so, as always, it is another difficult game,” said Collier.

“Hopefully we may have another couple of players back available because we are stretched at the moment with injuries.

“We have got some tired legs and if we have got the possibility to freshen things up, I am sure we will do.

“We certainly go there in good spirits and I said to the players after the game on Saturday that we need to make sure we back it up with another positive result.”