ASSISTANT manager Ron Needham described the travelling Bluebirds supporters as inspiring.

Despite a crushing 3-2 defeat to Aylesbury on Saturday, the 100-strong away fans applauded their players off the pitch.

Needham feels their support has had a positive effect on the players.

The 47-year-old said: "The fans have been amazing this season and there is a direct link between results and support we are lucky to have the fans we have at Chippenham.

"Our attendances are second to just Kings Lynn and it is a testament to our fans when you consider that teams like Bath and Gloucester have bigger areas to attract support."

This season Chippenham have the largest attendance in the Southern League, 1,624 against Bath City, and their average gate is bigger than more than half of the teams in Conference South and North.

Needham believes the atmosphere at Hardenhuish this season has made it a pleasure to work there.

"The roar we heard after David Gilroy scored against Halesowen was unbelievable. I did not expect to see so many fans at Swindon last week, but when I looked around and saw them all singing it was astonishing."

The Chippenham fans have followed their club all over the south, travelling as far as Norfolk and standing in the snow at Hednesford, and this has delighted the assistant.

"They have come out in force for the away matches and were there at Aylesbury. But we were all disappointed with the result. We are hoping to bounce right back against Bedford this weekend.

"It is a must win game for us and I am sure they will all turn out in there numbers to support us."