CHARD Hockey Club's 2nd XI enjoyed a hard fought 2-1 success over second-placed Bridgwater B.

The win completed a clean sweep of victories in four fixtures for the 2nd XI over their B and C sides.

An open match throughout, it was surprising there were not more goals, all coming in the first half.

Within the first few minutes, keeper Richard Green pulled off a diving save as the visitors created the first scoring chance and he was to make three more vital stops before the half was out.

He could do nothing to prevent Bridgwater opening the scoring - one of their forwards striking a powerful reverse stick drive from out wide and the ball finding the far corner of the net, but Chard bounced back within two minutes.

Brogan O'Shea Smith, playing his first match of the season, put away the rebound after a shot from Harvey Dening was saved.

Back on level terms, Chard began to exert dominance and Bridgwater found themselves under increasing pressure as their clearances frequently found a Chard player to renew the attack.

A piercing run into the D by Justin Green presented unmarked Max Beale with golden opportunity.

Though his first effort was saved, Beale kept his composure to lift the ball over keeper and beyond a covering defender to put Chard ahead.

While Bridgwater remained dangerous on the break, Chard could have extended their lead, Dening shooting into the prostrate goalkeeper with the goal beckoning and Jonathan Day hitting the post just before half time.

A goalless second-half nevertheless saw more exciting end to end hockey and full-blooded commitment.