CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier says that his side’s run of 20 games unbeaten is not to be sniffed at as they continue to set a blistering pace at the top of the Premier Division table.

Merthyr Town were the latest side to be dispatched by the Bluebirds juggernaut as Collier’s side secured a 3-1 success at Hardenhuish Park.

More than 700 fans were on hand to watch David Pratt wheel away with an aeroplane celebration as he half-volleyed the hosts into a 1-0 lead shortly after half-time.

With Pratt having missed from the spot a week prior, Jake Andrews stepped up to task when the referee awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute and sent the opposing keeper the wrong way.

Merthyr pulled a goal back through Jake Compton almost straight from the restart to put pressure back on the hosts but when Pratt was brought down in the box, Andrews netted his second of the game from 12 yards to secure a 20th game without defeat for the league leaders.

“I said to the players at the end of the game: ‘Do not scoff at staying unbeaten for 20 games in this division’. It’s a fantastic effort by everybody,” said Collier.

“It was a difficult day. The wind was blowing, the pitch was not great and we ended up getting three points and it’s a great day for Chippenham Town.

“I would imagine that some of the other clubs behind us would have looked at this game and thought it could be some points dropped against one of the in-form teams.

“There is a pressure and to say I don’t stop thinking about it would be a lie because it’s constantly at the forefront of my mind.

“We have to try and stay calm about it. We are on a great run - 20 games undefeated and there are only six left.

“We’ve got another difficult game next but I suppose I should be enjoying the pressure of being a team at the top of the Southern Premier League.”