CHARD got the New Year off to a flying start with an excellent victory 7-1 victory over close rivals Minehead A in South East 1 of the Davis Wood league.

Chard started well and were soon up thanks to a good close-range finish from Bertie Squire.

Minehead found a reply within a few minutes and looked like it could be a tough afternoon.

But Chard responded well and found themselves 3-1 up at half time.

First some some good passing between Brendan Viggers and Matt Sheahan enabled the latter to square the ball for Squire to get his second.

Then Sheahan beat his marker and slotted the ball home from the top of the D.

After a very positive half time speech, Chard came out all guns blazing and increased their lead within the first two minutes.

Fine passing between Murphy, Sheahan and Ed Ireland-Jones ended when the ball was cut back to Murphy to finish.

Squire was on top form in front of goal and added two more to take his personal tally to four.

Chard’s final goal came from some good, fast counter-attacking.

Squire chased a long ball down the line then squared it to Sheahan who slipped it under the advancing keeper.