CHARD Town have two Toolstation Western League First Division matches in the next four days, writes Colin Dunford. 

On Saturday, Bishop Sutton visit Zembard Lane (ko 3pm) and then, next Tuesday night (February 6, ko 7.30pm), the Robins go to Wincanton Town.

They are yet to play Sutton this season, but they are looking for revenge against Wincanton (where manager Paul Down was in charge for five years), having lost the home clash 3-1.

On Saturday, Chard will again be without the influential Taoufik Ben Salem, due to suspension, but they hope to have 10-goal striker James Boyland, who twisted his ankle, fit to play. 

Fellow striker Steve Friend should be back but Dave Duarte is still unavailable on Saturdays, though he will be available mid-week, as will Elliot Bevis.

Down said: “It was a rare Saturday off and a chance to recharge the batteries.

“Hopefully, we will get a better week weather-wise [but] the Wincanton match is already in doubt, given the condition of the pitch.”

The match at home to Oldlands Abbotonians – postponed on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch – has been rearranged for Saturday, April 21.

Chard Reserves, whose match at Wellington also fell foul of the weather, have a trip to Cullompton Rangers Reserves this Saturday, in Macron Devon & Exeter Division 1 (ko 3pm).

Ilminster Town host Nailsea United in the Somerset County League Premier Division.

The Blues are one of three teams on 18 points towards the bottom of the table, having so far paid the price for failing to turn draws into more wins.

Town have won three, lost four and drawn nine of their 16 league matches to date, and will be hoping to record three points against mid-table opposition this weekend.

Nailsea were one of the few teams to get a run-out last weekend, losing 1-0 to Middlezoy Rovers.

In Division 1W, Combe St Nicholas travel to Minehead (3pm).

On Sunday, Ilminster Ladies are scheduled to host South West Women’s Premier Division leaders Torquay United Ladies (ko 2pm).