MARK Collier wants his Chippenham Town players to carry on expressing themselves when they take to the field in the Southern League Premier Division.

The Bluebirds were held to a 1-1 draw by Brian Hughes’ Cirencester Town at the Corinium Stadium on Saturday, with George Pawley coming off the bench to net his first Chippenham goal after Conor McCormack had turned Aiden Bennett’s cross into his own net.

Collier was again forced to field a put out a patched-up side and although admitting that he was disappointed to only come away with a point at Cirencester, the Hardenhuish Park boss is pleased that his team are still claiming results despite their current injury crisis.

“I think that we created more chances and even though we came back from a goal down to get a draw, which shows a bit of character, we really should have won the game,” said Collier.

“Cirencester definitely got men behind the ball and made things difficult but I still felt that we should have come away with more.

“The average age of the side that was out on Saturday was 24 so it’s definitely a young, learning side. We said to them at half-time that they shouldn’t be scared to express themselves because that’s important.

“In all my time in management, I’ve never known an injury list like the one we have and it’s a good thing that we’ve got a large squad.

“But it’s pleasing that we’ve still been picking up results and long may it continue.”

After Greg Tindle’s clearance could only find Bennett midway through the second period, the Cirencester man’s delivery was turned into his own net by the unfortunate McCormack.

But with eleven minutes remaining, Jordan Roberts’ strike was parried by Centurions’ keeper Glyn Garner, allowing striker Pawley to fire home from a narrow angle, with Cirencester's Shayne Anson sent off for kicking the ball at a Bluebirds player in the aftermath.

Midfielder Roberts is a doubt for Tuesday’s home clash with Weymouth whilst Iain Harvey, Matt Coupe, Alan Griffin and Lee Phillips are ruled out.

Toby Osman and Tyron Leigh are suspended, whilst Ben McCready is unavailable.

Meanwhile, Cirencester travel to Redditch United on Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm).