CHIPPENHAM Town chief Mark Collier lauded striker Alan Griffin after he fired them to a 2-1 win away at Kettering just days after turning down a move away from the club.

Southern League Division One South & West side Cirencester Town, who have recently appointed Griffin’s brother – Charlie – as manager, attempted to prize Griffin away from Hardenhuish Park earlier in the week.

However, after re-affirming his commitment to the Bluebirds, Griffin played a starring role during Saturday’s trip to Kettering with a dramatic late winner to push his side up to third in the Premier Division table.

“He did have a chance to go as Cirencester put seven days’ notice in,” said Collier.

“I had a chat with Charlie about it and a chat with Alan about it. Obviously they have had a chat too, they are bound to being brothers, but Alan decided to stay, which is fantastic news for us.

“He certainly deserved his round of applause at the end for whacking in the winner.

“We are pleased that he stayed, he has got a lot to offer the club. We are hoping to go places and he wants to be part of that.

“He deserves the plaudits for not only the goal but showing loyalty to a club in an age where players move on so quickly. Credit to him for that and he can go on and play for Charlie in a couple of years’ time.”

Chippenham fell behind to Spencer Weir-Daley’s strike just after the half-time interval before Andy Sandell restored parity with 20 minutes to go.

The two sides then looked destined to play out a draw until three minutes from time when Griffin was on hand to cap a fine comeback from the Bluebirds.

“To find ourselves 1-0 down was disappointing but we showed great resolve and character, and to come back and get a late winner is always pleasing,” added Collier.

“When we went 1-0 down, we went three up front, trying to go on the attack and trying to get people forward.

“That runs the risk of leaving space in behind as they did flood the midfield but once we got the equaliser, there was only one team that were going to go on and win it.

“It turned out nicely and it’s particularly pleasing on the back of a big disappointment last week in the FA Cup.

“We were back on the road again with another long journey and we’ve come back with three great points.

“We’re sat nicely in the league table at the moment and long may that continue.”