CHARD A have now scored 12 goals in their last two matches and have kept clean sheets in both.

On Saturday, in their 5-0 success at Minehead B in the Davis Wood league, captain Gareth Eggle led by example, scoring a hat trick.

The treble included the only goal of a keenly-contested first half.

His powerful shot from the tightest of angles gave Chard the lead their approach play warranted, let down only by some wayward finishing.

Chard’s defence coped well with most of the home side’s forays forward, Dave Lury calmly digging the ball out of a tight spot just in front of the goal from Minehead’s most threatening attack from open play.

He was also on hand to clear the lines on the stroke of half-time as Minehead sent all their outfield players up for a penalty corner.

Chard continued to create promising chances early in the second half, Harvey Dening sending in some great crosses from the left wing, but without anyone being able to apply the scoring touch.

Jason Goddard was in the right place but unable to hit the target from almost point-blank range as another chance went begging.

Minehead offered little in attacking threat but the single goal advantage for Chard’s superiority left the game dangling in the balance until James Spurdle doubled the lead with a cracking shot form just inside the D.

This proved a useful cushion as Chris Knight was sin binned for ten minutes shortly after but the home side failed to make the man advantage count.

Chard had had no penalty corners in the first half, but earned themselves three in quick succession.

It was a case of third time lucky as Spurdle’s injection was placed perfectly for Eggle to strike home from the top of the D as the game entered its final quarter.

Spurdle had another assist as his defence- splitting pass found Goddard in acres of space with time to calmly flick the ball beyond the keeper’s despairing reach.

With four minutes left, another sweeping passing move down Chard’s right was clinically finished by Eggle for his hat trick.

This was an excellent all round team performance, but two of the younger players stood out in particular.

Adam Veitch worked tirelessly at centre forward and man of the match Harry Felgate was instrumental in so much of the good passing moves on the right wing.

Match sponsor: Beviss & Beckingsale, Solicitors.