CHIPPENHAM Town moved within one win of a place in the first round of the FA Cup following a 3-2 midweek replay success at Slough Town on Tuesday night.

A late Slough equaliser saw the two National League South rivals share a 3-3 draw during Saturday’s original third qualifying round tie at Hardenhuish Park.

They therefore had to meet again in Berkshire three days later to decide a winner, and it was the Bluebirds who came out on top.

Mark Collier’s side will now travel to opponents two tiers lower – Isthmian League South East Division outfit Whyteleafe – in the fourth qualifying round, where the victors will progress to the first round proper.

Nat Jarvis fired Chippenham ahead just before the break at Slough but the hosts regained parity early in the second half through Sam Togwell.

Luke Haines then restored the Bluebirds’ lead, although Matt Lynch promptly responded for Slough once more.

Chippenham were not to be denied, though, and Karnell Chambers’ late winner finally sealed the outcome of the tie.

Bluebirds boss Collier said: “We are delighted to get the win.

“I think people thought we had maybe missed our chance on Saturday after leading with just seconds to go.

“Then going off to the in-form team in the league – I think Sough had been unbeaten in 11 games – I don’t think too many people gave us chance.

“Going down the tunnel at full-time on Saturday, there was one very noisy dressing room and one very quiet one.

“I just reminded the players of that and said: ‘Our time will come’.

“These lads have got a good spirit and a good strength about them and they got the victory.

“I am particularly pleased, not just for the players but the chairman and the whole club and everyone involved.

“Slough is a difficult place to go so to come away with victory and money in the bank is very pleasing.”

Chippenham now resume their National League South programme on Saturday and face a trip to Essex to take on Concord Rangers.

Tuesday’s Cup win made it seven games unbeaten for the Bluebirds, so Collier says his side will go on the road full of belief.

“Confidence builds when you are doing well,” said Collier.

“We say that if we can’t win, then we try to draw. People might say we have drawn too many games but even a draw keeps morale up.

“The spirit is good and we are looking forward to playing again on Saturday.

“Logistically, Concord is a tough place to go. It is a long old trek and a very early start. We have got some tired legs so we will rest and recuperate and be ready.

“As is the case every week, when you go away from home, you know you are in for a difficult game.

“We will need to be at our best to continue our form.”