CHARD Town drew 0-0 at home to Barnstaple Town last night - but don't be taken in by the bland scoreline, writes Rod Harrington.

This was a hugely competitive and entertaining encounter with Chard performing admirably against a club who are strong promotion candidates.

The game began at a fast and furious pace accompanied appropriately by the firework display at the nearby rugby ground. With a little bit of luck the hosts could have been a couple of goals up at the break.

Ed Butcher with his direct running was a constant problem for the Barnstaple defence. He had a handful of chances together with fine efforts from Louis Gillman and Oscar Latas.

However, it was evident how the visitors had averaged more than four goals per game this season. The pace and movement of their attack needed close attention and they threatened regularly in this end-to-end game particularly when Jason Hutchings forced a terrific shot from Jed Harper-Penman onto the post and away to safety.

Amazingly the intensity and pace generated didn't let up after the interval. The Robins, however, were forced to make their final substitutions at half time due to injury and were further disadvantaged when an injury to Gillman meant he had to fulfill the role of a passenger for much of the of the second half.

Butcher had three good shots saved during this period and Hutchings rescued Chard a couple of times once with a particularly fine stop from substitute Steven Holland. However, the Robins' defence, with the dominant Leigh Bailey to the fore, remained firm under fire.

The crowd, including a significant number from Barnstaple, were left quite breathless at the final whistle.

Both teams played their part in a hard but sporting game and credit must also be given to the man in the middle, Mark Lillington from Dorchester, who let the game flow when some referees might have not have done so readily.

Chard: Jason Hutchings, Leigh Bailey, Ben Haines, Andy Martin, Scott Holland (Jamie Barfoot 22 mins), Jamie Underwood (Nathan Warren 46 mins), George Chlopecki, Louis Gillman, Sam Clark, (Mike McCormack 46 mins), Ed Butcher, Oscar Latas. Sub not used - Ben Mear.