CHARD are without a fixture this coming weekend, and have only six league games remaining.

This will allow some of Chard’s injuries to mend, as in recent weeks manager Paul Down has been down to the bare bones in his 18-man squad.

Matt Howell, injured at Oldlands, will be fit for the next match at Cheddar, as should Andy Holmes and Kieran Bailey, who both trained this week.

Max Westlake is on the way back after a long lay-off, while Shaun Wells-Burr played the full 90 minutes at Welton and came through well.

Down, reflecting on the draw at Welton, said: “Both sides found it difficult to play any cohesive football.

“We had two good opportunities in the first half and the same in the second, but a draw was probably right.”

Chard’s remaining fixtures: Saturday, April 1 - Cheddar (A); Saturday, April 8 - Devizes (H); Good Friday, April 14 - Wincanton (H); Easter Monday, April 17 - Wellington (A); Saturday, April 22 - Calne (A); Saturday, April 29 - Warminster (H).

The semi-final draw for the Axminster Hospital Cup: Chard Town v Exmouth or Alphington; Budleigh Salterton v Upottery. Dates to be arranged.