CHARD twice took, and then failed to hold onto a lead, in a closely fought encounter, where a draw was probably a fair result.

Despite much huffing and puffing from both sides, there were few chances in a drab first half with defences largely on top.

However the combination of Jason Goddard and Nathan Richards constantly threatened to open up the visitors defence.

Richards’ penetrative runs were the most likely source of a goal for Chard, although rising stars Dom Ballian and Bertie Squires combined well in a youthful midfield.

It was indeed Richards who scored the first goal, touching in a long ball that eluded several defenders.

But within two minutes Teign were level with a scrappy goal which bounced in off keeper Richard Green.

Chard thought they had scored the winner when Goddard’s cross was deflected in Richards for his third goal in two games for Chard.

Teign, though, are a resilient side, and scored a deserved equaliser with a well-struck reverse hit from their county junior star.

And but for a good save from Green they might even have snatched an away victory.

Chard now sit fifth in the embryonic table, a creditable position given the absence through injury of several key players.