Toolstation Western League
First Division
Chard Town 0, Warminster Town 2

THE result of this opening fixture for the Robins proved somewhat disappointing, as Warminster Town left with all three points, writes Rod Harrington.

Paul Down didn't have Jon Hill, Ben Haines and Max Westlake available but nevertheless was able to field a strong side, most of whom comprised the nucleus of the team last season.

The first half began in feisty mode, with Brad Miles suffering from an early challenge.

However, it never really got going, despite James Boyland and Steve Friend's enthusiastic and tenacious play causing some some problems for the Warminster defence early on.

Boyland hooked a shot over the bar but there was some worry at the other end, as the Chard defence had to clear the ball off the line.

The second half was a better spectacle.

On one occasion Boyland and new signing Nick Jacobs linked well, but Jake Herd of Warminster should really have scored when bearing down goal only to blaze over the bar.

Chard proceeded to create a surfeit of chances but to no avail.

A visiting defender was forced to head onto the post under pressure, a Boyland strike was well saved, Liam Cleal fired over and Jacobs' cross drifted onto the bar to give the visitors a fright.

Nevertheless, it was the Wiltshire side that took the lead.

The lively Jack Miluk, who had been a thorn in the Chard defence all afternoon, was fouled on the edge of the box after 68 minutes, and captain Charlie Walton stepped up and placed an accurate free-kick beyond the reach of Stuart Parris in the Chard goal.

Then, 11 minutes later, a short ball put the Robins' defence under pressure, the result of which led to Miluk finding himself free to tap the ball into an empty net.

While it didn't happen for the Robins in this game, there is no reason to suspect that the side should not improve on last season's effort.

This coming Wednesday's game against Wincanton at Zembard Lane (ko 7.30pm) has come round quickly enough for them to put things right.

Chard Town: Stuart Parris, Dave Duarte (Jack Dicker 83), Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Matt Howell (Luke Jackson 73), Liam Cleal, Brad Miles, Taoufik Ben Salem, Steve Friend (Pat Golden 83), James Boyland.