Toolstation Western League - First Division
Chard Town 0, Ashton & Backwell United 2

AFTER three excellent victories against clubs riding high in the league table, the Robins were brought back to earth with this somewhat unexpected defeat, writes Rod Harrington.

Manager Paul Down was able to put out a strong line-up for this fixture, albeit without the injured Steve Friend.

The Robins, however, never recovered from a defensive lapse in the fourth minute, when wide man George Saunders was given licence to break free and place an accurate shot from an acute angle past Jon Hill.

On 15 minutes the game took an unexpected turn – following a tussle between Taoufik Ben Salem and Backwell's Connor Saunders, the latter saw red for a stamping offence, with the Chard captain also cautioned.

The game hit a scrappy patch but it was the visitors who created most of the clear-cut chances, with the Chard defence looking a little indecisive on occasions.

With the visitors down to 10 men, Ben Salem adopted a more marauding role up front and the Robins got a couple of shots in from midfielders Brad Miles and Jake Dicker.

In the meantime defender Pat Golden was called on to clear off the line to prevent Aaron Read's header extending the visitors' lead.

The second half began with more purpose from Chard, the hosts attacking down the slope.

James Boyland was quick to spot an opportunity when a ball eluded the Backwell defence, but the keeper came out to foil his shot as he was bearing down on goal.

Hill was alert at the other end to palm away a misdirected cross, but it was the home side who were now exerting the pressure.

Despite this, the equaliser would not come and on 86 minutes Saunders struck again with a fine left-footed shot while running wide of the goal.

With time running out, two brilliant reaction saves from Lewis Coombes in the visitors' goal thwarted the Robins.

First, Max Westlake's shot was saved at full stretch, and then the keeper was alert to throw himself in the other direction to tip Ryan Mason's goalbound shot over the bar.

Despite the Robins having a day that was below par, some credit should be given to the visitors who were lively and well organised despite their numerical disadvantage.

During the second half Ben Salem was carried off with what appeared to be a serious foot injury, and the club will be hoping that its consequences are not too serious.

Chard aim to regain their excellent home form and set aside this blip on Saturday, when Bishop Sutton visit Zembard Lane.

Chard: Jon Hill, Pat Golden, Shaun Wells-Burr (Dave Duarte 67), Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Jake Dicker (Luke Jackson 72), Max Westlake, Brad Miles, Taoufik Ben Salem (Ryan Mason 76), James Boyland, Scott Jakeman.