Toolstation Western League
First Division
Portishead 0, Chard Town 0

CHARD Town picked up their first point of the season on Saturday, with a goalless draw away to Portishead.

With defenders on top throughout, it was Chard's Bradley Miles who came nearest to breaking the deadlock, when he hit the post in the 65th minute.

James Boyland was inches wide with a good effort, and he then saw a goal ruled out for an infringement.

Chard manager Paul Down felt it was a satisfactory point and a clean sheet, with a draw a fair result.

He added: "All three games so far have been evenly contested and we could easily have more points.

"We are not getting the rub of the green at the moment, having been denied two stonewall penalties this season.

"We need to improve in front of goal and I am working on trying to bring in another striker."

Chard: J. Hill, M. Westlake, B. Haines, A. Holmes, N. Jacobs, L. Cleal (S. Wells-Burr 85), M. Howell (S. Friend 88) L. Jackson (J. Dicker 72) B. Miles, T. Ben Salem, J. Boyland.

Chard entertain Bristol side Roman Glass St George on Wednesday night (ko 7.30pm), looking for their first victory of the season.

Then on Saturday, Chard visit Wiltshire side, Malmesbury Victoria (ko 3pm).

Dave Duarte and Keiran Bailey, who missed the trip to Portishead, are back in contention to play.

***

Somerset County League
Premier Division
Odd Down (Bath) Reserves 2, Ilminster Town 2

AFTER a dismal pre-season that saw Ilminster begin their league campaign under caretaker manager Chris Nezianya, the Blues took a point from their tough opening match, away to Odd Down Reserves, who finished seventh in the Premier Division last season.

A nervous start from the Blues saw the home side score inside two minutes, but the visitors worked their way back into it, and Carl Lazenby had a goal ruled out for handball.

The equaliser came from a counter-attack, as Luke Paul, Brad Pitman, Jack Male and Taylor Jefferson combined, and Andy Whitefield finished the move with a deft lob over the goalkeeper.

After the interval Jefferson was twice denied by fine saves by the home goalkeeper, but Odd Down led again following a goalmouth scramble.

But the away side hit back again, taking a point thanks to Jonny May's goal from Whitefield's cut-back.

Ilminster: Caspar Paine, Luke Paul, Karl Davies, Adam Male, Jonny May (c), George Miles, Jack Male (Warren Gabbidon), Brad Pitman, Andy Whitefield, Carl Lazenby, Taylor Jefferson.

Next up for Ilminster is their first home game of the season, on Saturday (ko 3pm), against Wrington Redhill.