CHIPPENHAM Town manager Gary Horgan says he is pleased with his team’s start to the season, despite the Bluebirds conceding a crucial stoppage-time goal against Torquay United on Tuesday night.

Chippenham beat Aveley 1-0 on opening day, and Horgan’s men went on to record a 4-2 success away at Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday thanks to a double from Jake Evans plus strikes from Nathaniel Williams and Craig Fasanmade.

The Bluebirds’ 100 per cent start was interrupted in midweek, though, as Torquay netted in the 93rd minute to secure a 2-1 win at Plainmoor.

A goalless first 45 in Devon made way for two goals in the space of four minutes once the teams re-emerged. Fasanmade’s 53rd-minute goal cancelled out Ross Marshall’s contribution for the Gulls three minutes prior.

But after Luke Spokes was sent off for two yellow cards midway through the second half, Torquay nabbed the result inside stoppage time through Aaron Jarvis.

Reflecting on a tough night for the Bluebirds, manager Horgan said: “I’m certainly disappointed with the result, just because I felt we were worthy of a point.

“But it’s difficult to win football matches when you don’t keep 11 men on the pitch. We’re all getting used to the new rules.

“But overall, we were certainly worthy of a point. Luke Spokes’ sending off and losing Aaron Amadi-Holloway to injury came at a time where we had a good 15-minute spell.

“It was a good game where they were going for the win. That left us opportunities as well, so it was end-to-end.

“But the sending off affected us being able to go for it. I felt we could have held on, though.”

Despite the disappointment of Tuesday night's loss, Chippenham’s boss remained in high spirits due to the fact his team are fifth in the National League South table and have plenty of room for improvement still.

Horgan said: “It's been a good start in terms of our points haul.

“We’ve got six from nine in what I feel is a tough start, so we’re pleased, particularly given the maturity of our group – we’re a new group, a young group. In terms of the points, great. Is there stuff to work on? For sure.

“Had we managed to hold on against Torquay and come away with seven points, I think everybody would have taken that before a ball was kicked.

“There is loads of stuff to work on, but we’re a work-in-progress and I think that will show throughout the season.”

Chippenham take on Tonbridge at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium on Saturday.