CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier admits remaining in the FA Cup had a bitter-sweet taste after a last-gasp equaliser meant they had to make do with a replay following a 3-3 draw at home to Slough Town on Saturday.

The Bluebirds looked on course to claim their place in the fourth qualifying round outright at Hardenhuish Park – only to be pegged back at the death by their National League South rivals.

Although the result means Collier’s side will be in the hat when the draw for the next round takes place on Monday, they most now navigate their way through an away replay on Tuesday night at Slough to see if they can keep their FA Cup adventure going.

Kieran Parselle broke the deadlock for Chippenham but the hosts found themselves behind at the break as Slough struck back through Sam Togwell and Wayne Harris.

Jay Foulston restored parity for the Bluebirds in the second half before they got their noses back in front as Karnell Chambers hit the back of the net.

That looked like being enough to win the game for Chippenham – only for Ryan Bird to pop up in stoppage time with a third goal of the day for the visitors to level the scores and ensure the two teams must now meet again.

Bluebirds boss Collier said: “It was a really good cup tie with two teams going for it.

“Slough are the form team in our division and I think they had won nine on the spin.

“We knew it would be a difficult game but we went toe-toe with one of the big sides in the division and we were so close to getting through.

“We are disappointed. When you concede a late goal, it almost feels like a defeat.

“We did it ourselves to Dulwich last weekend and it happened to us on Saturday. It happens but we have to pick ourselves up and go again in the replay on Tuesday.

“It was a great game of football for the neutral but not great for myself in the technical area.

“We are still in the hat, so we will take the positives from that.”

The major positive Collier did take from the draw was that his side again continued their strong run of form in front of goal.

Chippenham have scored at least twice in each of their last six games and have netted 16 goals in total during that time.

“We didn’t start the season very well on that front, so we are pleased that has changed,” said Collier.

“We have found our mojo and we are creating chances. We look a threat from open play and from set-pieces.

“We are scoring goals and if you are scoring goals, you have always got a chance to win games.”