Toolstation Western League Division 1
Hengrove Athletic 2, Chard Town 5

CHARD Town went into this game against fourth-placed Hengrove Athletic without an away win this season, but came away with an impressive 5-2 victory.

On a day when Chard dominated the play after some early Hengrove attacking moves, they won the game with a Max Westlake hat-trick and a brace from James Boyland.

Following the opening 10 minutes' play, which saw the home side put together several attacking moves and during which Taoufik Ben-Salem was forced off with an injury, Chard pushed forward with some accurate passing and approach work leading to a chance for Boyland, his effort going just wide.

Then on 26 minutes Boyland sped down the left flank and was brought down in the penalty area; Westlake made no mistake with the spot-kick to give Chard the lead.

Hengrove equalised some three minutes later, with a good move down the middle and a shot from close range, which gave ‘keeper Stuart Parris no chance.

Both sides then had a period of attacking play with chances created at both ends dealt with by the respective back-lines, Chard’s Andrew Holmes clearing well and Parris in position to deal with any effort on target.

However, the latter part of the half saw Chard provide the best scoring chances, and Boyland saw an effort saved by the goalkeeper's feet, before a well-directed pass by Stephen Friend saw Boyland go through to score with a well-judged shot and put Chard 2-1 up on the stroke of half time.

The second period brought two early bookings for both sides and a smart save by Parris, but with the Hengrove defence out of position Boyland again went through with speed to score and put Chard 3-1 ahead on 62 minutes.

And within a further eight minutes Chard put the game out of Hengrove's reach with a second well-taken penalty by Max Westlake on 65 minutes, before a fine Kieran Bailey through ball sent Westlake away to complete his hat-trick on 70mins.

Hengrove got a consolation goal on 75 minutes but it was Chard’s day, with a splendid display of all round football together with the speed and close passing between Boyland and Westlake, to give Chard their best matchday return of five goals.

It completed the double over title contenders Hengrove, and gained a further three points following the previous week's excellent win against Keynsham.

Chard: Stuart Parris, Patrick Golden, Shaun Wells-Burr, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Matt Howell, Max Westlake, Taoufik Ben-Salem (Stephen Friend 5 (Luke Jackson 86)), Scott Martin (Jack Dicker 74), Bradley Miles, James Boyland.
Sub not used: David Duarte.

Man of the match: Max Westlake.