Toolstation Western League First Division
Chippenham Park 0, Chard Town 2

CHARD Town came away from their Wiltshire opponents with a well-earned win on Saturday.

An early strike on 15 minutes set them up for a keenly-fought contest with a second goal minutes before the final whistle giving them the deserved three points.

Chard started well, and the reward for their early pressure came when, from a move down the middle, Alexandru Staffie was in position to score from close range. 

Chard continued to dominate up front and, from a good cross by Staffie, the effort which followed went away for a corner before Max Westlake curling the ball away just past the far post from a good position. 

As the tempo of the game increased, both sides were awarded free kicks with a Keiran Bailey shot from 20 yards out cleared off the line.

The home side got more into the game in the early stages of the second half but their efforts were over the bar, wide or dealt with by Chard’s ‘keeper Jon Hill and the tight defence.

James Boyland was replaced by Liam Cleal and he immediately sent a good through ball to Staffie which was cut out by the Chippenham midfield. 

With only minutes remaining, Chard pushed down the middle and a good ball from Staffie opened up the home defence for Matthew Howell to strike a first time shot past the advancing ‘keeper into the net for Chard to record an excellent win.

Chard: Jonathan Hill, Ben Haines, Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Jack Dicker (Luke Jackson 78mins) Max Westlake, Matthew Howell, Alexandru Staffie, James Boyland,(Liam Cleal), Bradley Miles, (David Durate)

THERE is no football at Zembard Lane this coming weekend. 

There are no Toolstation fixtures at all, due to the Western League 75th Anniversary dinner.

Chard Reserves are away to West & Middle Chinnock in the Somerset Junior Cup (2.30pm). 

Chard have 16 players ineligible to play in this cup tie.

Reflecting on Saturday’s victory, Chard manager Paul Down said: “It was a solid performance and continued our good form on the road.”