CHARD dominated large portions of their 2-1 home defeat by Chippenham in the Toolstation Western league but lacked penetration in the final third.

And they were made to pay when a couple of mistakes allowed Chippenham to steal all three points in a flurry of late goals.

Chard manager Adam Fricker said: “It was a very frustrating afternoon.

“We had lots of possession but simply didn’t make the most of it. As the game went on I had a feeling they would break away and snatch it.”

The first half saw Chard having most of the attacking play, shooting over the bar and then seeing a further chance cleared off the line minutes later.

Chippenham had chances with a free kick and corner, but it was the Robins who failed to take scoring opportunities late in the half.

Oscar Latas was unable to convert a Ben Haines cross and Sam Clark fired a free kick over the bar.

The second half saw Chippenham come more into the game with a shot on 50 minutes over the bar but Chard could have taken the lead two minutes later when a cross from the right by Andy Martin found Ed Butcher whose shot was just wide of the post.

Further efforts fell to Chard including a powerful long distance shot by Craig Mawford.

Just as it looked as if the match was heading to a goal-less draw Chippenham took the lead in the 76th minute with a move down the middle which found Will Giles in position to head the ball home.

With sub Scott Holland on for Chard, he immediately put a ball over to Andy Martin whose cross found Holland in position to squeeze the ball past the ‘keeper into the net four minutes later.

Chippenham however, looked for the winner and minutes later Michael Clement ran through following a defensive error to secure maximum points for the visitors.

In spite of late pressure from Chard the visitors defence held firm to claim maximum points.

Chard: Jason Hutchings, Leigh Bailey, Darren Hutchings (for Mike McCormack 75mins.) George Chlopecki, Ben Haines, Shaun Wells-Burr, Craig Mawford (for Scott Holland 79mins) Andrew Martin, Sam Clark, Oscar Latas, Ed Butcher. Subs: Mike McCormack, Nathan Warren, Scott Holland and Stuart Parris.

Tomorrow Saturday Chard are without a fixture. Their next game is a long trip to Corsham Town next Wednesday (February 11), kick-off 7.45pm.