CHARD Town Reserves boosted their promotion hopes in the Devon and Exeter League Senior Four division with a fantastic 2-1 victory away to table-topping Cresecent, writes Rich Evans.

They now trail Crescent by five points but have played four games fewer. New leaders Pheonix are five points ahead of Chard having played the same number of games.

On an uneven surface, goal-scoring chances early on were few and far between, but Simon Vincent and Darren Spurdle both went close for Chard.

Meanwhile, Chard keeper Andrew Dowling was called on to make two vital saves before the hosts took the lead when a low corner was tucking in at the near post.

Chard responded quickly and a well-directed free kick by Matthew Corrick was headed against the crossbar by Gareth Fooks.

And, with time ticking down to half-time, Chard turn the game on its head by scoring twice in three minutes.

They drew level with a great flowing move, finished by Cleal after his initial effort was saved.

Two minutes later Chard took the lead when a throw into the penalty box by Cleal was volleyed home by Vincent.

The second-half was another scrappy affair with no real pattern of play.

Crescent kept pushing forward quickly, and hit the bar with a header and also had a goal ruled out for off-side, as Chard’s defence remained solid.

The visitors were dangerous on the break, with Cleal twice going close and they saw out the remaining minutes to claim a vital win.

This Saturday, Chard Town Reserves are home to Dunkeswell Rovers, who are just below mid-table.