Toolstation Western League
First Division
Chard Town 3, Oldland Abbotonians 1

CHARD Town continued their recent good form with a third successive win to take them up to eighth position in the table.

On a fine afternoon with a dry pitch allowing for some good football, Chard took their scoring chances well to see off the challenge of visitors Oldland Abbotonians.

Chard got off to a flyer, scoring inside the first minute as James Boyland netted a well-taken first-time volley following an accurate cross from the right flank.

The hosts almost added to this opening goal when, just five minutes later, Matt Howell got in position to strike a powerful shot on target only for his effort to hit the visitors ‘keeper and go out for a corner.

Further chances fell for Chard with an effort across the face of the goal and Boyland breaking clear only to see his shot go straight at the ‘keeper.

The half-time whistle came with only some fine saves by the visiting custodian keeping the score to 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw some early attacks by Chard, with both Boyland and Max Westlake creating openings which led to a second goal coming on 53 minutes when Chard’s ‘keeper Jon Hill found Boyland in position to run clear and score his second goal with a strike into the top corner.

The visitors pushed hard in an effort to rescue something from the game but were thwarted by several crucial blocks from a determined Chard defence.

The Robins made two substitutions, with Pat Golden replacing Liam Cleal and Steve Friend on for Jack Dicker, who had done well in an unfamiliar role as striker, and Friend immediately got into action to seal the points on 86 minutes, converting Boyland’s cross.

Oldland netted a consolation goal with a cross into the far corner of the net following a move down the left flank, but overall this was a good all round team performance with three well taken goals and Boyland named man of the match.

Chards Town: Jon Hill, Ben Haines, Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Ryan Parris, Max Westlake, Matthew Howell, Jack Dicker (Steve Friend 81), James Boyland, Liam Cleal (Patrick Golden 70). Sub not used: Stuart Parris.