Toolstation Western League Premier Division

THIS battle of the Robins, which closed the curtain on the current season, was the archetypal game of two halves.

Having matched their opponents, who only needed to avoid defeat by less than six goals to ensure a promotion spot, Chard fell apart in the second half to suffer a comprehensive mauling. It must be remembered though that Stuart Parris' side had won earlier in the season in the same fixture, albeit in different conditions.

Bridgwater's style of play and impressive movement was evident early on with chances falling to Pete Monks from midfield and Chris Young. Chard were also prominent and former keeper Tom Manley saved well from Alexis Piper.

Bridgwater then had a wonderful opportunity to go in front. Jason Hutchings rushed out of his goal towards the advancing Young who was felled by the custodian as he tried to lob the ball over him. The resulting penalty saw captain Ben Kirk hit the post with the ball rebounding into play.

A series of three corners in as many minutes saw Chard in the ascendancy but the strike force failed to breach the home side's defence.

For Chard, the second half was an unmitigated disaster and a sad way to end a season during which the team achieved some impressive victories amidst a majority of defeats. On 51 minutes the floodgates started to open. Kirk volleyed home from close range and this was followed two minutes later by a second goal when Ryan King, with his back to the goal 30 yards out, swivelled and sent a stunning shot into the net's top corner way out of the reach of Hutchings' flailing arms.

Two further goals then came in quick succession. First, the unmarked Dan Forward headed into the net. Then Adam Fricker, playing in the back four, lost possession a minute later and King had time to control the ball and loop it into the net. The fifth goal came on 80 minutes with a captain Kirk header. Three minutes afterwards Forward waltzed through a static defence to put away number six and substitute John Harris ended the rout on 86 minutes when he side footed a cross from King past Hutchings.

Sadly Chard were a mere shadow of the first half and Bridgwater thoroughly deserved such a spanking victory with an exhibition of high quality attacking football. Chard wish them well in their quest for promotion to the Southern League.

Stuart Parris and his team, nevertheless, deserve praise for maintaining their Premier Division status whilst, at times, being unable to field a settled side and for providing interest and entertainment in this higher sphere for their supporters.

-o-

Team: Stuart Parris, Dan Harvey, Matt Corrick, Adam Fricker, Jon Delahaye, Chris Luke, Alex Paul, Jacob Bennett, Simon Gale, Alexis Piper, Craig Platt; Subs: George Chlopecki, Matt Cahill and Steve Devlin (all unused).