WITH Chard Town starting their Toolstation Western League season on Saturday at home to Warminster Town (ko 3pm), manager Paul Down has added another player to his squad, writes Colin Dunford.

Defender Nick Jacobs signed for the Robins after last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bridgwater Town, adding to two previous signings, Liam Cleal and Ben Haines.

Jacobs, 32, who made 32 appearances for Sherborne last season, was described by Down as “a quality player with good Western League experience”.

The boss went on: “The three players we have added [Jacobs, Cleal and Haines] have settled in well and strengthen the squad.

“With two wins in the past week, 4-2 at home to Staplegrove plus the victory over Bridgwater, we have had a good finish to our pre-season preparations, taking us into the new season with optimism.

“With a heavy fixture load in the first couple of months, the squad will have to be optimised but, with the back-up from the Reserves this season as well, I’m confident we will cope, and we are targeting a top six finish.”

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A LATE comeback saw Chard defeat Bridgwater in the battle of the Robins at Zembard Lane on Saturday.

Kicking down the slope in the first half, the visitors took the lead on nine minutes when Callum Ham scored from the spot.

That was how it stayed until the 84th minute, when Brad Miles equalised, and Chard then earned the victory with a penalty of their own, converted by Max Westlake.

Chard & Ilminster News:

TUSSLE: Stephen Friend (red kit) contests possession with Bridgwater Town's Kurt Robinson on Saturday. Pic: Steve Richardson

The previous match, at home to Somerset County League side Staplegrove, saw the visitors take the lead through Oli Johnson after a defensive mix-up, only for James Boyland to level from Stephen Friend’s pull-back.

Boyland then set up Chard’s second, rounding the keeper and teeing up Haines to finish, but within a minute Grove were level, Dave Ryan finding the bottom corner.

Undeterred, the hosts dominated the rest of the match and, after a few missed chances, Boyland found the net from Cleal’s cross.

Boyland was denied a hat-trick by the post, but Cleal ensured the game would finish 4-2, scoring from a tight angle after a centre from Haines.

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LOOKING ahead to this coming Saturday’s match with Warminster, Ben Haines and Max Westlake are both unavailable, while goalkeeper Jon Hill is suspended (the last of a three-match ban from last season), so veteran Stu Parris will don the gloves.

Captain Taoufik Ben Salem, who came off as a precaution after just a few minutes on Saturday, should be fit for this weekend.

Next Wednesday (August 9), Chard entertain Down’s old club, Wincanton Town, in their second league fixture (ko 7.30pm).

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CHARD Reserves continued their build-up to the new Devon & Exeter League Division 1 season, with a good workout in a 1-0 win at Premier Division Upottery last Thursday.

Manager Ivor Hutchings said: “Defensively, we looked strong and things are starting to take shape.”

Cameron Barfoot scored the only goal, cutting in from the right and netting from 30 yards.

The Reserves’ next friendly is on Friday, when Roseland FC from Torquay are the visitors (ko 7pm).