Mark Collier admits Chippenham were outplayed by Northampton

Mark Collier admitted the Northampton game was “one step too far” for Chippenham as they crashed out of the FA Cup with a 3-0 defeat to their League Two opponents.

Chippenham’s FA Cup dreams were dashed by half-time, with Harry Smith opening the scoring and Vadaine Oliver netted twice as the Cobblers dominated proceedings in Wiltshire.

His side were outplayed in the first half, but Collier believes even if they had been at their best, beating Northampton would have been too much to ask.

“It’s been a great cup run for us – we’re pleased with the way we’ve gone about our business – unfortunately today was one step too far,” he said.

“The second half was a bit more like us, but I know at 3-0 the game is done and dusted.

“Credit to Northampton, they’ve come and done a good job on us and shown why they’re where they are in the division.”

Meanwhile, Northampton boss Keith Curle said he expected nothing less from his side than victory.

“Right from the offset the players understand when they put the Northampton shirt on there’s an expectancy and level of performance required, and that’s a minimum,” he said.

“That won’t change no matter who we might play in the next round, or who we play in the league. There’s an expectancy on the players to produce.”