HOCKEY: Chard men in stalemate against Bodmin

CHARD men’s 1st XI missed an opportunity to close the gap on fellow league strugglers Bodmin on Saturday, as they were held 0-0 at home by their relegation rivals.

The stalemate means that Chard move on to seven points, but they remain 11th (second bottom) in the standings, with Bodmin third from bottom alongside Torbay on 10 points.

Chard face a tough task this Saturday, as they travel to face sixth-placed University of Exeter’s 6th XI (4.30pm start).

The Exeter students won 3-0 in Chard when the sides met in October.

South East 2
ECV Hornets B 4, Chard A 2

GOALS from Kyle and Gary Wheaton were not enough to prevent Chard A’s 10-match winning streak coming to an end against a strong Hornets side who proved hungrier for the points.

The home side, third in the division, were into their stride from the start and Chard were 1-0 down within five minutes from a penalty flick.

The swift pace of Hornets’ attack continued to test Chard’s defence, while midfielders Jason Goddard and Chris Knight found themselves frequently outnumbered, as their opposite numbers swarmed forward in support of their front two.

However, Chard gradually played themselves into the game and began to ask questions of the home defence.

A rapid counter-attack produced the equaliser, Kyle Wheaton firing home from just inside the D.

Hornets deservedly restored their lead before half time, though, and could have been further ahead but for a couple of excellent saves by Richard Green.

The visitors’ most productive attacks were made down the right wing, as Tom Eames, Justin Green and Gareth Eggle linked well.

With their best chance to level again before the interval, Eggle did the hard work of shielding the ball in the D, twisting and turning to create space, only to scuff his shot wide.

The second half was played at the same high tempo, both teams looking dangerous going forward.

But while Chard were unable to capitalise on their chances, the hosts were more ruthless and, midway through the half, they scored twice in rapid succession to go 4-1 up.

To their credit, the away team dug deep to claw their way back into it.

The penalty corner routine was not as slick as usual, but Gary Wheaton deflected in a follow-up effort for 4-2.

Good passing down the left wing and a cross to the top of the D found sub Trevor Goss with time and space, but his tame shot was saved at the foot of the post by the keeper.

Kyle Wheaton flashed another shot across goal but wide and, for all their efforts to produce a miraculous comeback, the task was too great.

Chard squad: R Green, T Eames, A Critchley, P Tratt, S Mahoney, J Green, J Goddard (c), C Knight, G Wheaton, K Wheaton, G Eggle, H Dening, T Goss.

South East 2
Chard B 3, Sidmouth & Ottery C 1

CHARD B got back to winning ways with a super first-half performance.

The visitors, who sit at the basement of the league, started briskly with a good youthful midfield who pushed the home side’s defence, but it was the breakaway capacity Chard had that undid Sidmouth.

The first goal came from a penalty corner, where the ball eventually rebounded to Durgan Cooper, who slotted home.

Shortly afterwards, the tenacious Charlie Grossey pressured the visitors defence and capitalised on a mistake to make it 2-0.

The best goal of the three came at the end of the half, with a good run by Cooper, who found Rollo Squire, who neatly drew the defence and keeper and passed wide for Jacob Boobier to fire home.

With some injuries to some of their elder statesmen, Chard had to reshuffle their defence.

Good second halves by Riley Millet and Tom Float meant there were limited opportunities for their opponents, but the visitors eventually scored form a a penalty corner.

The hosts kept pressing for another goal and left themselves vulnerable at the back, but the game ended with neither side creating any more good chances.

Chard squad: Hibbard, Dare, Willis, Millet, Float, Cheffey, Lewis, Jones, Squire, Cooper, Boobier, Broomhill, Grossey.

***

West Clubs Women’s League
Sedgemoor Division 2
Taw Valley 2nds 0, Chard 2

CHARD ladies won their 11th straight game in Sedgemoor 2, claiming a 2-0 victory away to Taw Valley 2nds on Saturday.

Sasha Taylor and Emma Cridland scored the goals, while the player of the match award was shared by Misha Taylor and Louise Wrightson.

Chard sit eight points clear of nearest challengers White Eagles 2nds at the top of the standings.

This Saturday they are at home to basement side Weston-super-Mare 3rds (11am start), who are yet to win a match this season.

The Chard side won the reverse fixture in Weston 3-0 back in October.