GoCrea8 Men’s League
Southern 1
Dart 1, Chard 0

CHARD men’s 1sts were beaten 1-0 at fourth-placed Dart on Saturday.

A narrow loss away to a team at the opposite end of the table is no issue in itself, but unfortunately for Chard it coincided with their fellow strugglers Bodmin winning 4-2 at University of Exeter E.

That put five points between them and second-bottom Chard, who will be looking for points at home to Plymouth Marjon B on Saturday (2pm start) to help them beat the drop.

South East 2
Chard A 5, Minehead B 0

CHARD A returned to winning ways after successive defeats with a 5-0 thumping of Minehead on Saturday.

Two early strikes from Harvey Denning set the tone of the afternoon.

In between, Kyle Wheaton showed the enormous potential he has – both pace and skill – as his crisp shot put him in double figures for the season.

However, he also continues to frustrate, given his inconsistency in using these attributes and when to make a simple pass.

With Wheaton withdrawn for much of the second half, Chard played more of a passing game, sensibly using Gary Wheaton on the left wing, and he used the space to create further chances.

A fierce strike from Gareth Eggle and a tap-in from captain Jason Goddard sealed a comfortable afternoon.

Special mention goes to the solid defence, marshalled by Arthur Critchley, and umpires Andy Swain and Hannah McGowan.

This Saturday, second-placed Chard go to third-bottom Yeovil and Sherborne B (2.30pm).

South East 2
Chard B 8, Sidmouth & Ottery B 1

AN ambitious tactical masterclass from skipper Alan Cheffey helped Chard 3rds give Sidmouth & Ottery B a thumping at fortress Holyrood.

Cheffey installed Durgan Cooper and Richard Jones up front and it was their scintillating pace and lethal finishing that led Chard into an unassailable 4-0 lead within the first 20 minutes, as both scored twice.

It was a much improved performance from Chard, who had struggled for fluency over the past few weeks.

With Ryan Lewis providing the legs and skill in the midfield, the home side maintained their first-half dominance, and it was Cheffey, on a rare foray forward, who slotted in goal number five with a cheeky tap-in.

The visitors started to come into the game in the second half but some excellent saves from keeper Kacey Hibbard, as well as resolute defending from Riley Millet and George Broomfield, kept their goal tally to just one.

Rollo Squire opened up his account with two well-taken goals in the second half, and Jones rolled back the years to complete his hat-trick with a low flick from a short corner.

An excellent debut performance from Alec Evans was another plus point for the hosts.

When the whistle blew, the record crowd erupted and as they departed, having been thoroughly entertained, the fans were overheard debating whether that was the best Chard hockey performance ever witnessed at Holyrood.

The 3rds, sitting sixth in the table, have the perfect opportunity to test their new-found fluency this Saturday, as they travel to league leaders East Devon C (2.30pm).

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Chard & Ilminster News:

ON THE MOVE: Amy Goss on the ball for Chard ladies against Winscombe 4ths. Pic: Steve Richardson

West Clubs Women’s League
Sedgemoor Division 2
Chard 10, Winscombe 4ths 0

CHARD ladies racked up double figures for the third time in five games as they eased past visitors Winscombe 4ths on Saturday.

Lyndsay Blackshaw helped herself to a hat-trick and Natalie Slade two goals, with Sasha Taylor, Emma Cridland, Amy Goss, Jess Withers and Kerryn Mullis also on target.

Nine points clear at the top of the table, Chard travel to face nearest rivals ECVH 2nds this coming Saturday (10.30am start).

With only three more games to follow that one, a win would see Chard wrap up the title.