CHARD Town manager Jamie Manley will have three more players available for tomorrow's tough-looking trip to Cheddar in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League (ko 3pm).

Cheddar have beaten Devizes Town 4-0 and Keynsham Town 3-0, both away, before overcoming Premier Division Bridgwater Town 3-2 in the FA Cup last Saturday.

For Chard, last season’s leading scorer James Boyland is likely to make his first appearance of the season, while winger-cum-striker Liam Cleal is also available, as is central defender Andy Holmes.

However, Nathan Warren is still tied up with cricket, and striker Steve Friend picked up a groin injury and is likely to be out for several weeks.

Manley said: “Cheddar will be a tough game but we will give it our best shot and, hopefully, raise our game.

“At Sherborne last midweek [a 1-0 reverse] they had the better chances, so fair result. Disappointed, but that’s football.”

Reflecting on last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Wincanton, Manley was happy with how things are going so far, as four players were missing.

Already short of attacking players, Chard lost Friend to injury before the 30-minute mark.

Manley said: “Ollie Pearson put us ahead with a good header early on and substitute Ryan Parris, who did well as an emergency striker, netted from 25 yards and then hit the bar.”

Chard Reserves visit Bishops Lydeard Reserves in a friendly tonight (ko 7.30pm).

They drew 1-1 against Westland Reserves after being 1-0 up at the break through Dan Collins, in another friendly last Friday.

Reserve team manager Ivor Hutchings has added Steve Every, from Perry Street, to his squad for the upcoming campaign.

On September 1, Chard have been given the toughest possible test, at home to Dorset Combination club Westlands, Yeovil, in the first round of the Somerset Senior Cup.

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IN the Somerset County League, Premier Division side Ilminster Town travel to face newly-promoted side Westfield tomorrow.

And in Division 3, Combe St Nicholas - 6-2 winners last weekend - entertain Winscombe Reserves.