CHARD Town play their third pre-season friendly on Friday, when they visit SW Peninsula League Division 1 East neighbours Axminster Town (ko 7.30pm), writes Colin Dunford.

Axminster are under the management of former Chard player Jon Hurford.

Last Saturday, Chard – with a mixture of first team and reserve players – lost 2-0 in their opening pre-season friendly against a very young Plymouth Reserves side, under the guidance of academy director Kevin Hodges.

Chard entertained local rivals Wellington, who are currently in the Premier Division of the Toolstation Western League, last night.

Wellington won 4-3, largely thanks to a hat-trick from Conor Bryant.

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THE Western League fixtures have now been released, with Chard at home to Longwell Green Sports on Saturday, August 4.

Their Boxing Day fixture sees the Robins travel to Bishops Lydeard for a local derby match.

The lucrative FA Cup and FA Vase draws have also been published, although Chard are not allowed to enter as their ground is not up to FA standards.

There has been a change in the Chard Reserves pre-season friendly schedule, meanwhile, as they now entertain Misterton on Friday, August 3 and Westlands on Friday, August 10.

Two former Chard players, Ed Butcher and Leigh Bailey, who were part of the mass exodus of players when Adam Fricker switched allegiance to Bridport two years ago, have now joined newly-promoted Southern League club Street.

The Chard clubhouse will be open tonight (Wednesday) at 6pm for anyone wishing to watch the England v Croatia FIFA World Cup semi-final.