CHARD B lost 6-2 to West Dorset in South East 3 of the Davis Wood league on Saturday.

As usual Chard fielded a mixture of experience and youth which was exposed by a side featuring a number of players who on occasion play for their first team.

West Dorset started the game at a pace that Chard found hard to compete with and were undone down the flanks.

West Dorset scored the first goal but when Chard made their first serious break down the pitch the home side allowed a cross from the right to open up the goal for Adam Veitch to score.

The parity only lasted a few minutes before the home side scored two quick goals and then finished the half with a controversial goal where the umpire at the far end of the pitch awarded an own goal that was not seen by the closer umpire.

Chard re-jigged their team and for the majority of the second period competed well, especially when West Dorset were reduced to ten men as their centre forward left the field with a suspected broken collarbone.

The home side had the better chances but superb goalkeeping by Berge Balian kept the ball out. Unfortunately for Chard the rebound fell to a forward to slot the ball home on two occasions.

Fraser Lewis had a good game in an attacking position and forced a penalty corner that was neatly despatched by Murray Wheaton.

The team now has a month to recover from the exertions so far and look forward to a continuation of a successful season.

Match sponsor: Martins of Chard.