CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier felt his side provided the perfect remedy to their FA Cup disappointment as they beat East Thurrock United 2-0 at Hardenhuish Park.

After crashing out of the competition in a fourth qualifying round replay, a brace from Nick McCootie ensured the Bluebirds took the points on their return to National League South action.

Both goals came in the second half, and the hosts could have had three after Jack Compton saw a penalty saved by the visiting keeper.

The win means Chippenham are now one point away from the play-off positions with 21 points from 13 games.

Collier said: “I think there was a concern that people may still be feeling sorry for themselves and feeling a little bit sore after the Maidenhead game.

“We decided to take Thursday training off and let people stay away from each other and it worked well.

“I wasn’t surprised because we have a great team and a great spirit. That certainly came to the fore on Saturday.

“It was quite a dominant display, in all honesty. We could have felt sorry for ourselves and it would have been easy to do that.

“We have a few jokers in the dressing room and when I got there the music was blaring so it was clear to me there is a togetherness within the team.

“We could have scored three goals in the first half. We were a little bit wasteful, if I am honest, because we had some very good chances.

“Again we were dominant in the second half and Nick McCootie got two good goals and we could have got a third from Jack Compton.

“It’s a vital three points. We have 13 games, we are in a good place and so is the club. There will be tough times to come, we just need to see where it takes us.”

Chippenham return to action on Tuesday where they travel to Oxford City, and Collier is expecting a tough encounter with the league strugglers.

“Tricky is the word because they do have an artificial pitch and, without being disrespectful, it isn’t one of the better ones,” he added.

“It’s a difficult place to go. They’re inconsistent, so when they’re not very good, they’re not very good, but when they are good, they’re outstanding, so we are hoping for the former.

“We go there in a confident mood so we are looking forward to it.”