Toolstation Western League
First Division
Bishop Sutton 0, Chard Town 2

CHARD Town gave manager Paul Down the perfect send-off, as two goals in the second half saw them run out deserved winners at Bishop Sutton on Thursday in their final match of the season.

On an excellent playing surface, both sides used the wide pitch well to provide some fast-flowing football.

The hosts had the best of the early attacking play but the Robins saw Taoufik Ben-Salem head wide from a cross by Max Westlake.

A free-kick for Bishop Sutton on 30 minutes was cleared well by Kieran Bailey, and the first half ended with both sides having equal amounts of the attacking play.

Chard commenced the second half with a chance from a corner and free-kick, together with a Bailey shot which was turned away for a further corner.

A period of pressure from the home side followed, with the visiting goalkeeper Jon Hill in action with two well-judged saves.

Substitute James Boyland came on for Pat Golden on 65 minutes and the Robins stepped up a gear, with several good moves leading up to the opening goal on 77 minutes.

Bailey laid the ball off for Boyland, who scored from some 22 yards with a great first-time half-volley.

A second goal followed just three minutes later, when following good work down the left flank, Ben-Salem was in position to score with a powerful strike.

This was a good competitive match with a result which no doubt pleased Down in his final match as manager, showing the progress he has made with the team over the two-year period he has been in charge.

Chard finish the season in ninth place in the First Division, comfortably inside the top half.

Chard Town: Jonathan Hill, Dave Duarte (Ryan Mason 78), Oliver Pearson, Ben Haines, Kieran Bailey, Ryan Parris, Patrick Golden (James Boyland 65), Jack Dicker, Taoufik Ben-Salem (Stephen Friend 81), Liam Cleal, Max Westlake.