CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier has issued a rallying call to the club’s supporters ahead of this weekend’s National League South clash at Hardenhuish Park against East Thurrock.

The Bluebirds were left heartbroken on Tuesday night when Maidenhead United’s Adrian Clifton ended hopes of a dream FA Cup first round tie against League One table-toppers Portsmouth.

Clifton’s 74th-minute strike denied Chippenham a place in the first round proper, but Collier wants to use Town’s luckless conclusion to the competition in his favour when welcoming East Thurrock to Wiltshire on Saturday.

The Essex side have so far struggled to establish any consistency this season, winning three and losing nine of their opening 12 games.

Despite hovering just above the relegation zone, Collier won’t be taking them lightly – especially in light of a 2-1 win at home against Hungerford Town last weekend.

“I want to go on record and say that now is the time we need everybody behind the club,” said Collier.

“We need to go again, starting on Saturday, and get this FA Cup heartache out of our system.

“A big victory, or any win, against East Thurrock will be huge. They’re always difficult opponents to face.

“We need that support. Being that 12th man will be key to our chances of success.”

Chippenham have been dealt their fair share of injuries this season, with Greg Tindle, Will Puddy and Alex Ferguson all missing large parts of the campaign with long-term issues.

Tindle remains sidelined after suffering from a labral tear in his hip, while Puddy’s knee has been in a brace for three weeks and will remain restricted for at least a further month.

Kurtis McDonald is the latest doubt for the Bluebirds after he picked up a dead leg on Tuesday nights, although Collier will monitor his star defender’s progress ahead of Saturday’s game.

The injuries have opened the door for some of the club’s younger players to step up, and the Bluebirds boss has been impressed by his side’s attitude and response to missing key players.

He said: “We’ll need to push on. We’ve got a great group of players and some lads that our committed to the club.

“We’ve got some injuries to key players, but that hasn’t bothered us. Everyone has got on with their jobs and the club is in a good place both on and off the pitch.

“We need to make the most of that and grasp the opportunity in front of us.

“I plead to the supporters, they can certainly help the club achieve its ambitions.”