Toolstation Western League
First Division
Portishead Town 3, Chard Town 2

SATURDAY last saw an injury-hit Chard squad lose out to a robust Portishead side by the odd goal in five, writes Mike Froom.

A bizarre nine-minute spell during the latter part of the first half saw Chard concede three goals, with the home side opening up the visitors defence to give ‘keeper Jon Hill no chance with the subsequent shots.

The early part of the first half saw Chard create the best chances, with some good build-up play on six minutes sending James Boyland through on goal, but his shot was just wide.

Then an accurate through ball from Bradley Miles saw Scott Martins shoot over the bar from a good position.

Portishead then set up several attacking moves, and on 26 minutes they went ahead when a long free-kick into the area saw the ball headed home by Ollie Trevarthen.

The second goal came some four minutes later, and caused some controversy when the officials ignored what appeared to be handball for the ball to drop to Calum Townsend to score from close range.

Portishead then extended their lead yet further when a long ball from the right wing was headed home direct past ‘keeper Hill.

Following the manager’s half-time talk Chard came out for the second half with a more positive approach to match their opponents.

Early on, Portishead continued with several attacks, with a shot on 50 minutes which hit the underside of the bar and bounced away, together with a strike which hit the post.

However, shortly after Chard saw a James Boyland shot go just wide, together with a further effort saved by ‘keeper Dan Worton.

Following a great save by Jon Hill, also carrying a leg injury, and several corners for Portishead, the hosts went down to 10 men when Kieran Marsden was red carded for a dangerous tackle on Chard’s Stephen Friend.

With time running out Chard stepped up the pace and the unmarked Ryan Mason gathered the ball in midfield and scored with a well-judged long shot.

A second goal came five minutes from full time, as Scott Jakeman – on for the injured Pat Golden –netted with a cross shot from the right flank, direct into the net.

Despite further late pressure Chard could not force an equaliser, but credit must go to the whole team to recover from the three-goal deficit and nearly snatch a point.

Chard: Jonathan Hill, Patrick Golden (Scott Jakeman 76), Ryan Mason, Shaun Wells-Burr, Kieran Bailey, Jack Dicker, Matthew Howell, Bradley Miles, James Boyland, Stephen Friend, Scott Martin. Subs not used: Andrew Holmes, Max Westlake.