Toolstation Western League First Division
Chard Town 1, Chippenham Park 1

A PENALTY in added time rescued a point for the Robins on Saturday in an even contest against Chippenham Park, writes Rod Harrington. 

Manager Paul Down gave Ryan Mason his first start since October and, despite the continued absence through injury of Max Westlake and Taoufik Ben-Salem, he was able to name a strong bench as well.

The game did take some time to get going, with the only real action in a tepid first half coming when Steve Friend saw a goal ruled out for offside as he turned in the rebound after James Boyland's strike was saved. 

After the break spectators witnessed a much more lively contest, with Boyland immediately spurning a chance when well positioned. 

The visitors, who disposed of leaders Wellington last week, showed they are a good footballing side and Chard goalkeeper Jon Hill was called upon to pull off a remarkable one-handed save from Darrin Moss. 

Hill was not the only goalkeeper in fine form, however, with Boyland then denied superbly by the Chippenham gloveman.

Chard & Ilminster News:

UNLUCKY: James Boyland (above) came close on several occasions for Chard.

The Robins defence became somewhat exposed for a time and Chippenham's Ryan Tyrell should really have put his side ahead but shot straight at Hill when scoring seemed easier. 

Chippenham striker Dan Sibley was then thwarted by a sublime tackle by young Jake Dicker, before Hill was on hand again to deny Moss and another shot from Tyrell whistled past the post.

All this action culminated in the visitors opening the scoring on 71 minutes when a mix-up in the Robins' defence allowed Moss to fire into an empty net.

This goal spurred the hosts to fight back and, despite the game being held up for a time due to an injury to the referee, Chard were slowly beginning to get some attacking momentum. 

Shots by Steve Friend, Brad Miles and Scott Martin might have deserved better and with the game ebbing away the deserved equaliser arrived via the award of a penalty. 

Friend stepped up confidently and hammered home to give the home side a share of the spoils.

Chard Town: Jon Hill, Pat Golden, Ryan Mason, Jake Dicker, Kieran Bailey, Matthew Howell, Luke Jackson (Scott Martin 61), Brad Miles, James Boyland, Steve Friend, Scott Jakeman. Subs not used: Scott Wells-Burr, Andrew Holmes.