Toolstation Western League First Division
Chard Town 4, Portishead Town 1

THE Robins extended their excellent unbeaten run in the league on Saturday with this comfortable victory from a game which was played in a good spirit, writes Rod Harrington.

Basement boys Portishead made a game of it, though, but never recovered from going one down after only nine minutes when Andrew Holmes fired in off the bar from a Max Westlake corner.

Chard had to wait until the 38th minute to add to their lead, when Cleal was brought down in the box and Ollie Pearson calmly despatched the penalty kick to make it 2-0.

Soon after the break, the visitors forced their way back into the game when Sam Trueman was able to fire into the net off a defender.

Their fightback was snuffed out only three minutes later, however, when the Robins added a third goal.

A terrific long throw down the line by Holmes and some smart work by Boyland led to Cleal slipping the ball into the net with a precise shot.

The hosts added a fourth when, in a delightful move, Westlake set Boyland free on 74 minutes to slot home and give the hosts a comfortable advantage.

Portishead efforts by Alex Twiggs and Harrison Williams were uncomfortably close in the latter stages, but Town closed out the win.

In the closing stages, Taoufik Ben Salem was paired in attack with young substitute Will Willetts, making his debut for the firsts.

Chard - Jon Hill, Ben Haines, Ollie Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Luke Jackson, Max Westlake, Liam Cleal, Taoufik Ben Salem, Steve Friend (Pat Golden 62 mins), James Boyland (Will Willietts 87 mins). Sub (not used) - Dave Duarte.

Macron Devon & Exeter League Division 5

Ilminster Town Reserves 2, Central 1

WITH no first team game this week, the Reserves took centre stage against (Exeter) Central home at the Archie Gooch Pavilion and won a close game.

Andrew Male strengthened his side with the inclusion of Jack Male and Adam Male, and both played well with Adam Male scoring the winning goal with a brilliant strike from the centre circle that had a touch of the Wayne Rooney about it.

Earlier, top scorer Wael Elkahla had given Ilminster a first half lead.

Next week, Ilminster Town’s first team are back in action in the last 16 of the Somerset County Premier/Division 1 League Cup.

The side have been drawn away and will be certainly looking to gain revenge for their recent 4-3 defeat at home to Shirehampton, who are the opponents again.

With the Reserves away as well, Kenny Timpson and his table-topping young A team have the chance to show their talent as they are home at the Archie Gooch Pavilion against Chard Rangers Reserves (2pm).