CHIPPENHAM coach Rob Alford has paid tribute to the efforts of his players and a simplified training programme that have turned around the Allington Field club's season.

The South West Two East side appeared to be in turmoil in early October as a succession of league and cup defeats left their campaign in big trouble with barely a month gone.

Former coach Matt Sheppard left by mutual consent and Alford came in to head a new set-up with Mark Coombes and former Chippenham captain Dilwyn Richardson.

And the results have been spectacular.

Chippenham have won six matches on the trot and revitalised their prospects.

And as well as restoring their enviable home form to its former glory, with a thumping 72-0 triumph over High Wycombe one of the highlights, they have also been sensational on the road, winning 42-16 over Salisbury, 17-15 at Windsor and beating Marlow 19-0 last weekend.

Oakmedians one place better off in fourth are the visitors tomorrow and Alford is hoping the superb run can continue.

"We have seen a massive improvement in performance over the last six weeks and that is down to two things commitment from the players and a training programme that has gone back to basics,'' he said.

"A few weeks ago, we could not keep the ball for more than a couple of phases and spent more time defending than attacking."

Swindon return to league action this weekend with a home fixture against struggling Chesham.

With continuity being the key, Swindon name an unchanged starting line up for the second game in succession. With the top two in action against each other, the Greenbridge Road club will be looking to keep up pressure on the teams above them and move themselves closer to the top.

Wootton Bassett 1st travel to Berkshire high-fliers Tadley in their latest encounter in the Southern Counties South League.

The 2nd entertain Tadley 2nd at Stoneover Lane, and the 3rd travel to Malmesbury in the Dorset and Wilts 2 North League.

The junior section are also in action on Sunday when they entertain Newbury from the ages of under 7 up to under 12s.

Marlborough turned in their best performance of the season when they beat Salisbury 3rd 19-7.

The performance showed great team spirit and all the benefits of having an excellent coach were shown in the manner in which the side played. The forwards, who were a lot smaller than their opponents, played particularly well and won a lot of ball.

Tomorrow Marlborough take on Wheatsheaf at home (2.30pm).