CHIPPENHAM TOWN boss Mark Collier hopes his side can continue their strong home form and book a place in the first-round proper of the FA Trophy on Saturday, writes JONATHAN LEIGHFIELD.

The Bluebirds host Isthmian League Premier Division side Wingate & Finchley at Hardenhuish Park in the third-qualifying round, having tasted defeat only once on their own patch this term.

Collier knows his side will be favourites for the tie, but wants to guard against complacency as Town go hunting a spot in the first-round proper.

“They’ll be a difficult opponent, but we will be favourites, we’re aware of that," said Collier.

“Hardenhuish Park has become a difficult place for away teams to come to. We’ve turned it into a bit of a fortress of late, so we need to continue our good form there.

“Winning football matches is what it’s all about, whether you’re playing in the Wiltshire Senior Cup or the FA Cup or the National League South.

“It’s worth some finance to the club as well so that’s important, the chairman will remind me of that."

And while Collier’s main focus is trying to guide Chippenham to a high finish in National League South this season, he won’t be prioritising league football over any potential cup success.

“We’d like to do it all, really, but you cannot think too far ahead. You just need to win the next game and see where it takes you," said Collier.

“To go a long way in this competition, it certainly brings its rewards, but it also brings its downsides as well with the fact that it can cost you league points.

“We’re not behind with our league fixtures yet, so we’ll try and win the game on Saturday and see where the cup draw takes us.

“We’ll be prepared. We’ll give them the respect they’re due and hopefully we can get through."