CHARD continue to impress near the top of South East 2 in the Davis Wood league after a 5-3 victory that should have been easier than it turned out.

It was a mixed day for combative striker Dan Stone who produced a sublime flick over the keeper to give Chard an early lead but was later sent off.

Chard were quickly pegged back after the opener before Alex Gurd restored the lead.

Mike Winch, making his second team debut, fought hard in midfield alongside man-of-the-match Gareth Eggle who drove Chard forward at every opportunity.

But once again the visitors were guilty of sloppy play and allowed Minehead a second equaliser on the break.

Chard restored their lead through Gurd, and appeared to have the game won when Stone produced a lovely reverse stick flick to give Chard a two goal cushion.

Unfortunately Stone’s game was to be cut short and end in controversy. Already given a warning for arguing with the umpire, resulting in time in the ‘sin bin’, Stone became incensed as Minehead, in their desperation to get back into the game, made some injudicious tackles.

His comments towards the umpire was greeted with a very rare red card and potentially a long ban, usually reserved for players who are guilty of violent play. Stone was certainly culpable of foolishness for his persistent questioning of umpiring decisions, but Chard felt it was harsh given that some of the challenges inflicted on Chard players, which could have resulted in players being injured, went unpunished.

Playing against ten men, Minehead got back into the game with a third goal, but on the counter attack Gurd combined with Jake Whitemore who got the final touch to seal a 5-3 win.