CHARD remain top of Sedgemoor Division 2 of the West Clubs women's league with one game to play after a hard-fought 3-2 defeat of Minehead 2nds yesterday.

In an open encounter both sides had chances to score but shots either went wide or were athleticly saved by two goalkeepers who threw themselves all over the goal area.

Chard’s first goal resulted from some furious tackling in midfield by Hannah Billing who passed the ball to Maya Preston.

Preston spotted Sarah McDermott unmarked and found the ball for McDermott to slot home.

Chard continued to repel Minehead attacks until the last minute of the first half when the visitors were awarded a short corner and scored via a deflection.

The second half started in the same vein as the first half with both sides putting in some hard challenges.

E J Hines made some very good runs from midfield, taking on the Minehead team single- handed to provide the ball just outside of the D to Ruth Butcher who fired across the Minehead goal where McDermott was on hand to knock home Chard’s second.

Minehead retaliated quickly and after five minutes of intense pressure were able to break through and equalise.

However Chard quickly regained their composure and went on the attack with Amy Goss making a determined run before passing to Ruth Butcher who struck the match-winning goal.

Chard: Anna Dewick, Kayley Gollop, EJ Hines (capt), Lorraine Szczepanski, Becky Black, Amy Goss, Hannah McGowan, Hannah Billing, Maya Preston, Ruth Butcher and Sarah McDermott. Player of the match: E J Hines.