CHIPPENHAM Town boss Mark Collier believes his side have made a solid start to life in the National League South after picking up a point on the opening day of the season.

After months of anticipation, the Bluebirds played out a goalless draw to Havant & Waterlooville at Hardenhuish Park.

The hosts did have the ball in the net during the first half, but that effort was chalked off after being deemed offside.

Dave Pratt also went close in the second half with a header, which was swatted away by the visiting goalkeeper.

While it may not have been the dream start the fans were looking for, Collier says a point and a clean sheet is never a bad start to a league campaign.

“The performance was very good, we just lacked that goal and a tiny bit of quality around the box when we needed it,” he said.

“The all-round performance was good. Havant & Waterlooville were very respectful of us but I was pleased with the performance.

“The front two are always going to be a threat. We couldn’t make it happen in or around the box but it was a pleasing start.

“I spoke to their manager afterwards and he was chuffed to bits to get away with a 0-0 draw, I think our performance warranted a victory, albeit a tight one.

“It'S not a bad start. I said in the dressing room, if we can’t win then we need to draw.

"It was a historic day for Chippenham.”

Collier will now turn his attention to Chippenham’s first away game, where they take on local rivals Bath City on Tuesday night.

“We are looking forward to going to Bath. They had a defeat so I think they will come flying out of the blocks,” he added.

“They have gone on record to say they expect to be in the top four or five at the end of the season and they have recruited very well over the summer.

“I also think they will be in the top five at the end of the season so it is a tough game, but that is what we got promoted for.

“We want to play against big clubs in decent stadiums so we are looking forward to going there on Tuesday.”

New signing Alan O’Brien was not included in the matchday squad after only signing the day before the season opener.