THE big news coming out of the Chard Town camp this week is the fixture rearrangement by the Toolstation Western League, writes Colin Dunford.

Chard, who have had their last three first team matches postponed, now face a spell starting on Easter Monday of nine games in 19 days.

Ironically, they then have no midweek fixture in the last week of April.

At the moment, despite no let-up in the weather, the FA and Western League are not extending the season beyond April 28.

Chard manager Paul Down, no doubt echoing the views of many Western League bosses, said: “Players’ welfare has to be taken into account.

“It is crazy to ask non-contract players to play that many games, physically and mentally; surely the powers that be can see that.”

On Wednesday night the Robins again try to entertain neighbours Bishops Lydeard in the league (ko 7.30pm).

Chard sit 11th in the First Division table and Lydeard 10th, one point ahead having played three more games.

This coming Saturday Chard are home again, as high-flying Cheddar visit (ko 3pm).

Given the weather conditions, fans should check social media and www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk/sport, as to whether the Lydeard game is on.

Down will have a full squad tonight, but leading scorer James Boyland is unavailable on Saturday.

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Macron Devon & Exeter League
Division 1
Chard Reserves 2, Lyme Regis 2

CHARD Reserves took a point from a thrilling 2-2 draw against high-flying neighbours Lyme Regis on Saturday, after the Zembard Lane ground passed a late pitch inspection.

Chard had a couple of early chances before Lyme took a 31st-minute lead through Fred Parsons.

However, four minutes later, the hosts levelled with a superb 25-yard shot into the top left-hand corner by Jake Board.

It was 1-1 at the break, but Chard wasted a couple of early second-half chances, with Andre Anjos shooting over the bar and Max Westlake just wide.

The home side’s pressure paid off in the 55th minute, when Darren Contreras set Westlake through in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and he duly obliged to put Chard 2-1 ahead.

Chard keeper Alex Cunnold made a fine save in another one-on-one situation to preserve the lead, but he was beaten three minutes from time by a 25-yard screamer from Parsons.

The match ended 2-2, and Chard Reserves manager Ivor Hutchings described it as a fair result from in a good game.

Chard Reserves: Cunnold, Mason, Finn (Dodd 85), R Parris, Bailey, A Anjos, Symes (D Anjos 70), Board, Contreras, Lima, Westlake (Stewart 75).

The Reserves have two league matches this week.

On Saturday they visit Sidmouth Reserves (ko 3pm) and next Tuesday (March 27) they are at home to Exeter University 2nds (ko 7.30pm).