MARK Collier accepts Chippenham Town didn’t do enough against Dulwich Hamlet to merit earning a FA Trophy first-round spot, after they were beaten 2-1 in Tuesday night’s replay at Hardenhuish Park.

Hamlet’s Danny Mills opened the scoring for the visitors before the Bluebirds responded midway through the first half when Curtis McDonald struck.

David Ijaha notched the visitors’ winning goal in the second half to end Chippenham’s 2019-20 cup ambitions.

In what proved a scrappy affair, Collier concedes neither team played their truest game.

The Bluebirds boss said: “I’m not sure we did enough to deserve to win, but I don’t think they did enough either – it was a case of fine lines, a difficult one to call.

“Dulwich managed to grab that important second goal. From our point of view, we were seven out of 10 – but to win games at this level you need to be eight or nine out of 10.

“It’s disappointing. I thought we were good value for the replay after a great second half in the first game.

“Karnell Chambers was stuck in traffic, he missed out. Christopher Zebroski is feeling better, he should be involved at the weekend (against Eastbourne).

“Squad wise, we’re looking okay.”

Saturday’s original tie in London had ended in a 2-2 draw, with Tom Wheelan’s second-half goal earning Chippenham a replay after David Pratt had earlier given them the lead in the first half before Dulwich struck twice.

Despite having one of National League South’s bigger playing budgets, Dulwich find themselves only four points clear of the relegation frame with more than a third of the season complete.

Their form has surprised Collier, who has backed them to achieve greater things in the second half of the season.

He said: “Dulwich Hamlet have everything in place – they’ve got a great fan base and train full time.

“I would imagine they’ve got a very hefty playing budget also. They seem to be turning things around now, and I’d expect them to go on a run.”

Chippenham return to National League South action this weekend when travelling to Eastbourne Borough.

Collier said: “Eastbourne have had a managerial change, they’ve done well the last few weeks and have run into a bit of form.”