CHARD Town play their final pre-season friendly this Friday, when they visit South West Peninsula League Division 1 East side Sidmouth Town (ko 7.30pm), writes Colin Dunford.

Last night (Tuesday) Chard were at home to Somerton Town from Division 1 of the Somerset County League, with the game finishing 1-1.

This is all in preparation for the new season, which kicks off on Saturday, August 4, with Chard at home to Longwell Green Sports, relegated from the Western League Premier last season.

There is action at Zembard Lane this Saturday, as Chard Reserves entertain Dorset Football League Senior Division side Beaminster (ko 3pm).

Chard drew their friendly away to Gillingham Town last Thursday, 1-1, in a game of two penalties, with Ollie Pearson netting the Chard spot-kick.

***

EXTENSIVE maintenance on Ilminster Town's main Pavilion Pitch has taken place, where sections were levelled and new grass sown, but no-one could have foreseen the current heatwave and lack of rain, writes Andy Fish.

Despite these problems, the ground staff, under the guidance of the Institute of Groundsman (IOG), have produced a good surface for the club moving forward.

All should be ready for the first team’s first home match on Saturday, August 25, against Somerset County Premier League champions Chilcompton Sports.

With cracks appearing in the old Grandstand pitch, the Blues' first friendly was moved to the 3G pitch at Huish.

Against higher opposition in Toolstation League side Wincanton Town, the Blues began their season in style, winning 1-0, as a Wincanton defender put the ball in his own net when under pressure from Taylor Jefferson.

Manager Darren Manley was on holiday so it was left to coach George Hamill, alongside Andy Dyke, to run the team, and Hamill was particularly impressed with the commitment and work rate of the younger players.

With the cracks filled in, Shaftesbury Reserves, who play in the Dorset County League, were the visitors on Saturday.

Ilminster, without the spine of their team due to holidays and unavailability, gave a home debut to young Jack Rutter in goal.

With high temperatures and a bone hard pitch it was good for players to get some miles in their legs, but Shaftesbury Reserves ran out 4-0 winners.

For Ilminster, Jefferson looked sharp and had a couple of half chances.

The Blues faced another home friendly on the old Grandstand pitch against Beaminster, from the Dorset County League, last night (Tuesday).

This time it was Ilminster who won 4-0, with goals from Charlie Rutter, Jefferson, Carl Lazenby and Andrew Whitefield.

This coming Tuesday (July 31, ko 6.30pm), Ilminster host Staplegrove.

***

ILMINSTER Town Ladies began their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 loss to Buckland Athletic Ladies on Sunday.

Erin Bloomfield netted for the Blues, who travel to Poole Town Ladies this coming Sunday.

The team have been boosted by Dana Andrews, Hannah Billing, Daisy Charles, Lorna Furber and Charlotte Johnson, Colette Martin, Sarah Miller, Charlie Pettinger, Maisie Poole and Megan Purchase all signing up for the new season.