Toolstation Western League First Division
Oldland Abbotonians 2, Chard Town 0

FOLLOWING their fine midweek win at Sherborne, Chard Town went into this away fixture at Oldland Abbotonians on Saturday in confident mood in spite of several players not being available.

The first half opened with some quality close passing football from the Chard side, and Liam Cleal got in a good scoring position on 15 minutes but his shot was just wide of the far post. 

On 20 minutes, Scott Jakeman worked the ball well through the middle for a chance on goal and it appeared the ball had crossed the line but, with a defender hooking the ball away, the appeal for a goal was ruled out.

The home side then came more into the game with a corner on 26 minutes, and a further effort was cut out by a well judged last man tackle by Ben Haines.

Shortly before half time Max Westlake’s shot from a free kick was taken by the home keeper as the sides went into the break locked at 0-0.

The opening stages of the second half saw Chard’s Taoufik Ben Salem put through a ball to Max Westlake, whose shot was deflected for a corner, while on 52 minutes a good ball from Jakeman saw Ben Salem in a good position but the scoring chance was not taken.

This immediately set Oldland up to push into the Chard area with a shot from a packed goalmouth which came back off the goal post, and from the rebound Joe Walters scrambled the ball into the net for the opening goal. 

On 63 minutes, Chard’s defence let Jack Metcalf through to score a second goal giving the lone advancing ‘keeper no chance. 

Chard brought on Stephen Friend and James Boyland in an effort to break through but any scoring chances were dealt with by the home sides defence.

There then followed a succession of free kicks as a boisterous Oldland’s side endeavoured to add to their two goal advantage but the Chard defence, aided by several excellent saves from Jon Hill, held firm until the final whistle. 

Chard: Jonathan Hill, Ryan Mason (Stephen Friend) Ben Haines, Luke Jackson, Kieran Bailey, Nicholas Jacobs, Max Westlake,Matthew Howell, Taoufik Ben-Salem, Scott Jakeman, Liam Cleal (James Boyland).

Reflecting on the result, Chard boss Paul Down said: "We had good opportunities to get in front and for nearly an hour they didn't cause us to many problems. 

"After they took the lead, they were the stronger team and in the last half hour, three tough away games in seven days took its toll. 

"Generally, though, I'm pleased with our efforts over the past week and it is good to see a number of players finding their form.

"Ryan Mason came back into the team after performing well in the reserves and had a fine game."

Down also revealed that Shaun Wells-Burr (25) has left the club after making over 70 first team appearances in the last two seasons, to join Axminster Town.