CHIPPENHAM Town manager Mark Collier has challenged his team to be amongst those making the headlines come 5pm on Saturday as they go in search of a place in the first round of the FA Cup.

The Bluebirds, of National League South, host Maidenhead United this weekend in the fourth qualifying round of the world famous competition, just one win from a potential meeting with Football League opposition.

Collier knows his team will have to overcome the odds to topple a United side who ply their trade one tier higher in the National League, but he says Chippenham already have all the motivation they need.

“We have played quite a few big games in the last few years and this is one we will start as clear underdogs for,” said Collier, who led the Bluebirds to the Southern League title in 2017.

“But there are bound to be a few shocks and surprises during this weekend’s games and it’s up to us to see if we can be one of them.

“We need to be nice and positive about it, try to ride our luck a little bit, and make sure we take one or two of our chances when they come our way.

“To play in the first round of the FA Cup is a massive carrot but there is also £25,000 riding on this game, which will do wonders for any non-league club.

“It’s a massive incentive for us but it’s an incentive for every team, so Maidenhead will be just as hungry as we are.

“The FA Cup is the biggest cup competition in the country and we want to go as far as we can in it.”

Chippenham have already seen off lower league sides Hendon and Swindon Supermarine during their cup run – the latter via a replay – and Collier hopes to see that sequence continue this weekend.

“We’ve had some good wins so far, but this will be a big step up for us,” said Collier.

“I am looking forward to seeing how our players respond to playing against a top-quality opposition.

“We have some experienced players in our squad who have never had a good cup run before, so I am looking to see them rise to the occasion.”

James Guthrie is available to return for Chippenham after serving a three-match suspension, while Collier hopes to welcome back both Nick McCootie and Curtis McDonald after the duo missed last weekend’s 2-1 league defeat at home to Dartford through illness.

Andy Sandell and Jack Compton will also be assessed ahead of the game in the hope that they have shaken off their respective injury issues.