SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Depleted Marine hold Bluebirds (From This Is Wiltshire)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Depleted Marine hold Bluebirds

8:00am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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SUPERMARINE boss Mark Collier was delighted with the efforts of his threadbare squad as they drew 1-1 with local rivals Chippenham Town in the Southern League Premier Division on Saturday.

Collier, who only had a choice of 14 fit and available players for the game, watched his understrength team take an early second-half lead through Luke Hopper before Luke Gullick’s strike pegged Marine back on the hour mark.

The Hunts Copse chief conceded there were a number of tired legs on the field of play by the end of the match, but stated how important the point could be as he attempts to steer Marine away from the relegation dogfight.

“Overall I am very happy with a point,” said Collier.

“Chippenham were at full strength and put out a very convincing performance, and there were a few jaded bodies out there by the end.

“But every point we can get is going to be vital now.”

Hopper, restored to the starting 11 after a three-game absence, finished off good work from Marine’s wide men in the 49th minute to give the hosts the advantage.

Nick Stanley sent in a deep cross from the right, which was pulled back by Robert Hobbs at the back post for frontman Hopper to slot home.

But the lead lasted just 11 minutes as Adie Mings’ Chippenham made a set piece count in their favour, with Gullick nodding home a corner at the back post, much to Collier’s disappointment.

“It was a shame to concede from the set piece, but Chippenham were physically on top of us for much of the game,” he said.

“We’ve done well to stand up to them and keep going and get the draw.”

Having travelled to Rugby on Thursday night, and with the prospect of a trip to Clevedon Town on Tuesday evening, fixture congestion could severely test the resolve of Collier’s stretched squad.

Whilst the Marine manager recently acted to strengthen his outfit with the acquisition of former Swindon Town youngsters Chris Allen, Dave Bampton and Ashan Holgate amongst others, none of the three played a part in Saturday’s encounter and now Collier admitted he may need to look elsewhere once again before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

“We have something like 16 games in 40 days now,” he said.

“I have to be mindful of resting players and we will need everyone we can have. A squad of 15 just isn’t going to be big enough.

“I’ve got until the 31st to add to the squad but we need to make sure we bring in the right quality of player.

“We need people to come in and be willing to scrap and fight for the points because that is what we will have to do until the end of the season.

“Whoever comes in cannot just be a number, they will have to make a contribution.”