DARREN Perrin believes Chippenham Town must win their five remaining league games if they are to stand any chance of winning automatic promotion to the Conference South.

After Saturday's disappointing 1-1 draw with Cheshunt at Hardenhuish Park, the Bluebirds' boss conceded that one more slip would condemn his side to the lottery of the Southern League playoffs.

Perrin said: "We are not giving up on anything yet, although it will be very, very difficult for us now. We've got five games to go and we need to win those five games." Perrin was quick to point out that the boggy conditions had prevented his side from turning territorial advantage and persistent pressure into points.

He said: "Without trying to make excuses for ourselves the pitch was very heavy. The groundsman did great to get the game on but it was so slippy out there when the rain came down. "I thought we were sloppy in the first half in conceding the goal. We were in complete control over at Cheshunt two weeks ago and we failed to defend a long throw there."

Perrin knows Chippenham's strength lies in their ability to get the ball forward quickly and pressure sides into making mistakes and the Blues' boss has made it clear he will not tolerate another lethargic midfield display.

"If anything I felt we had too much of the ball," he said. "At times we looked laboured and we kept going sideways. That's not like us - we're about getting a good tempo and compressing sides. "Cheshunt are fighting for their lives so give them credit for the way they battled. It was a great goal by Gilly (Dave Gilroy) and I thought we would go on to win after that."

On a day of few positives, Perrin singled out debutant Matthew Day, who has signed on loan from Portsmouth until the end of the season. Perrin said: "I thought Matthew was outstanding. He was strong and composed, quick across the ground and good in the air. You would expect that to be fair, but I hope we get even better from him in the last few games."

Chippenham are away to Rugby on Saturday.

  • For the latest news from Hardenhuish see Friday's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.