Toolstation Western League
First Division
Roman Glass St George 2, Chard Town 2

CHARD Town came back from going 2-0 down inside the first 20 minutes to claim a well-earned draw, and deny high-flying Roman Glass St George a chance of regaining top spot in the league.

Ryan Radford opened the scoring in the first minute of the match, netting from close range after a good move.

Radford then doubled the lead on 20 minutes as the hosts opened up the Chard defence.

The Robins gradually settled on the 3G surface, though, and Scott Jakeman – making his first appearance of the season, having returned home from university – began to impress.

Ben Haines had to be alert to stop a dangerous counter-attack from the home side, and slick passing between Liam Cleal and Elliot Bevis ended with a shot just past the post on the edge of half time.

After the restart, Chard's stand-in keeper Jamie Stewart made a smart stop to prevent a third goal for the hosts, and on 54 minutes the Robins pulled one back.

A good ball from the right found Cleal, and he broke through to score with a well-judged shot.

Jakeman departed the field injured, replaced by Octavio Lima, and Roman Glass hit the post from long range, but the next goal went the way of the visitors.

As they piled on the pressure, they won a free-kick a few yards outside the penalty are, and Max Westlake calmly placed the ball into the corner of the net.

Rocked back on their heels, the home side sought a winner, but some disciplined defending from the Robins ensured they claimed a point.

It was well deserved too, having fought back from being two goals behind, and putting in a good team performance despite missing several regulars from the squad.

Chard Town: Jamie Stewart, Ben Haines, Oliver Pearson, Kieran Bailey, Matthew Howell, Max Westlake, Scott Jakeman (Octavio Lima 63) Stephen Friend (Patrick Golden 80), Elliot Bevis, Liam Cleal (Ryan Parris 87).

Chard's next outing is away to Wincanton Town next Saturday, before a Boxing Day match with Bishops Lydeard (both ko 3pm).