Toolstation Western League
First Division
Malmesbury Victoria 1, Chard Town 0

CHARD Town, looking for their first win of the season, were beaten by a single goal on Saturday, away at Wiltshire side Malmesbury Victoria.

In the first half, with a strong wind behind them, Chard started in a positive manner with a shot just over the bar on four minutes from Andy Holmes, together with an effort by Bradley Miles, which also went over.

The Robins also won a number of free-kicks for robust tackling by Malmesbury, who then found themselves down to 10 men when Krystian Hext was shown red.

This, however, spurred the hosts into pushing forward and they scored from close range on 29 minutes, following an attack which beat the visitors' defence and ended with Andy Baker finding the net.

Minutes later Taoufik Ben-Salem sliced the ball wide with only the keeper to beat, and it remained 1-0 at half time.

The early part of the second half saw Malmesbury on the attack with a corner, saved by Chard’s keeper Jon Hill.

In an effort to break down the home defence James Boyland replaced Jack Dicker, and following a bad foul on Liam Cleal the subsequent free-kick saw a scoring chance wasted.

Frustration crept in as Chard’s forwards seemed to be penalised for what many considered to be marginal offside decisions.

Aside from a great effort from Bradley Miles, only just wide, most of the chances on target were blocked by the Malmesbury defence or cannoned off a Chard player deep in the goal area.

The 10-man hosts held on to take the three points, leaving the Robins still searching for that first victory.

Chard Town: Jonathan Hill, Shaun Wells-Burr (Stephen Friend 84), Ben Haines, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Jack Dicker (James Boyland 68), Max Westlake, Mathew Howell (Luke Jackson 84), Taoufik Ben-Salem, Bradley Miles, Liam Cleal.

Chard have a re-arranged Les Phillips Cup tie on Saturday, when they visit Bristol side Roman Glass (ko 3pm).

***

Somerset County League
Premier Division
Ilminster Town 3, Wrington Redhill 0

WARM sunshine welcomed Wrington Redhill to the Archie Gooch Pavilion for Ilminster Town’s first home match of the Somerset County Premier season, writes Andy Fish.

Chris Nezianya and his backroom team (Andy Dyke and George Hamill) opted for a similar tactic to the Odd Down line-up from last week – 4-3-2-1 – with Ben Pitman and Jake Woodard coming into the team.

The Blues started the brighter and, 10 minutes in, Andy Whitefield showed good pace down the left before cutting inside, and a late challenge brought a penalty, coolly converted by last season’s top scorer Taylor Jefferson.

Within five minutes, it was 2-0 as young Brad Pitman surged down the left and passed to Carl Lazenby, the striker brilliant chipping the ball over the stranded keeper.

Ilminster are lucky to have both Lazenby and Whitefield, as both will probably return to their parent club Perry Street champions Barrington when the local season begins in September.

As the second half progressed, Wrington looked dangerous with good build-up play, but they never managed a shot on goal during the game.

The Blues sealed the three points late on, as Jefferson showed skill down the right and found Lazenby, who misdirected his pass, but substitute George Miles picked up the ball and whipped in a cross for Lazenby to head home.

Lazenby was the star man and it’s great to see him back on his game, after being held back by knee problems.

The defence were solid, with Jake Woodard slipping seamlessly alongside captain Jonny May at centre-back, and Ben and Brad Pitman offered great energy levels.

Ilminster: Caspar Paine, Luke Paul, Karl Davies (George Miles), Jake Woodard, Jon May (c), Ben Pitman, Jack Male, Brad Pitman, Andy Whitefield, Carl Lazenby, Taylor Jefferson.

Next up for Ilminster is a home match with Staplegrove, on Wednesday (ko 6.30pm).

The Blues then travel to south Bristol to play Fry’s Club on Saturday (3pm).

***

Somerset County League
Division 1 West
Burnham United 2, Combe St Nicholas 0

COMBE St Nicholas lost out away to Burnham United, despite a positive performance.

After a goalless first half, Jordie Eldridge's double gave the hosts the three points.

Combe sit in 16th place with one point from three games, and this Saturday sees them host Winscombe (ko 3pm).