CHARD were far from disgraced despite losing 5-2 at home to runaway leaders Taunton Vale B in South East 1 of the Davis Wood league.

The match started at a high tempo and a well-drilled Vale squad got themselves two up within 15 minutes. But Chard pressed the Vale defence and soon found themselves level.

Their first goal came when a hard ball was driven into the D by Max Beale which took a touch from Gary Wheaton’s stick and left the keeper with no chance.

The second followed some good passing between Kyle Wheaton and Matt Sheahan with Bertie Squires getting on the end of it to lift the ball over the keeper.

This certainly didn’t phase Vale who were 4-2 up by half time.

Chard pressed forward in the second half, creating a lot of chances. Wheaton senior could have pulled a goal back but luck didn’t seem to be on his side.

Vale were very quick and organised on the counter attack and added a fifth.