Western League First Division
Chard Town 1, Bishop Sutton 1

A DRAMATIC last-minute goal by visitors Bishop Sutton gave them a share of the points after Chard looked to be heading for victory after going a goal up just on half time, writes Mike Froom.

Chard were forced to line up without the experienced front runners Ben-Salem and Steve Friend (both injured) and the unavailable Scott Martin, and this, together with the early loss of Max Westlake, upset the balance of the side.

Straight from the kick-off, a scoring chance fell to Chard but a well-struck ball went way over the bar.

Chard continued to attack but, despite several free-kicks and corners, they could not penetrate the visitors’ defence.

At the other end, Chard keeper Jonathan Hill was called into action with a good save from a corner on 23 minutes, and a further well-judged save when Bishop Sutton endeavoured to chip the ball over the keeper’s head.

With Max Westlake forced off with a leg injury on 31 minutes, he was replaced by Matthew Howell, who soon got into the game with some energy to get the ball forward.

Chard put pressure on the visitors’ defence with a chance for James Boyland on 37 minutes followed by two corners.

The reward came some five minutes later when, from a penalty awarded for handball, Luke Jackson powered home to the left of the Bishop Sutton keeper Chris Manns.

The second half saw Chard awarded several free-kicks but they could not add to their one-goal lead in spite of the visitors having a player sent off after 59 minutes.

However, on 88 minutes, from what many considered a dubious free-kick some 25 yards out, the ball was lofted high into the home area for Bishop Sutton to head the ball home from close range for the equaliser.

Chard: Jonathan Hill, Patrick Golden, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Shaun Wells-Burr (capt), Max Westlake, Luke Jackson, James Boyland, Bradley Miles, Scott Jakeman. Subs: Jack Dicker (for Scott Jakeman 78 mins) Matthew Howell (for Max Westlake 31 mins), Ryan Mason, Stephen Friend.