Toolstation Western League First Division
Chard Town 1, Keynsham Town 1

HAVING disposed of Keynsham 3-1 in the away fixture in September some might regard this result last Saturday as disappointing.

However, high flying Keynsham are the division's leading goalscorers and one of the clubs likely to be vying for a promotion spot next spring, while this result also increases the Robins' unbeaten streak to five games which is encouraging.

The visitors powered into the lead after only four minutes when Cam Shorney's free kick was curled over the defence and into the net off the near post.

Indeed, the visitors continued to make the running with some forceful play and tough tackling which prevented the home side getting into their stride early on.

However, on 35 minutes the break came as a high ball was lofted into the Keynsham penalty area and chested down by Max Westlake to Alex Stafie, who wasted no time in rifling the ball into the back of the net.

Then, with half time beckoning, Matt Howell might have given Chard the lead but his shot flew just over the bar.

In a somewhat attritional and tense second half there was no further score but the Robins acquitted themselves well by creating most of the chances playing down the slope.

Stafie fired a snap shot over the bar from close range and Ollie Pearson, who was creative throughout the game, had an excellent free kick saved.

Nevertheless, the visitors were a constant threat and substitute Craig Wilson caused Jon Hill to make some important saves while Andrew Holmes was called upon to head a Keynsham effort off the line.

The Chard defence, ably led by the influential Kieran Bailey, held firm and at the other end Bailey's header was a whisker wide of the post in the dying minutes.

A point each, though, was probably a fair reflection of the game.

Chard: Jon Hill, Ben Haines, Ollie Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Jack Dicker, Max Westlake, Matt Howell, Alex Stafie (Steve Friend 90 mins), James Boyland, Luke Jackson (Brad Miles 81 mins).