Somerset Floodlit Youth League

Street Under-18s 0, Chard Town Under-18s 1

The Young Robins achieved what not many other sides will this season with a hugely impressive away win against a very strong Street side after a wonderfully courageous and organised performance on Monday night.

On an excellent surface, it soon became clear that Chard were in for a testing night as Street passed the ball quickly and effectively, using the full width of the pitch to great effect.

A man of the match performance by goalkeeper Owen Searle was ultimately what laid the platform for the win, with some world class saves at crucial points of the game.

That said, despite Street generally controlling possession, Chard were not without their chances, particularly on the break, with the pace of Marky Jones and the range of passing of both Josh Lukins and Alex Harper penetrating the Street defence on several occasions.

The deciding goal between two very evenly matched teams came on 84 minutes, as a through ball by Hubi Wejnerowski was picked up by Marky Jones, who took his time before striking a perfect low, powerful shot past the Street keeper into the right-hand corner.

Special mention also to the Chard defence of Bradley Loaring, Levi Ley, Jonah Billington, and Wejnerowski, whose brave defending saw them on several occasions make last ditch tackles or put their bodies on the line to block shots.

This exceptional Chard display sees them remain top of the SFYL South Division table after two wins from their opening two games.

Chard host Wellington on Tuesday.

Somerset Floodlit Youth League
Chard Town Under-18s 7, Glastonbury Under-18s 2

THE previous week, Chard Town Under-18s got their Somerset Floodlit Youth League campaign off to a perfect start with a comprehensive 7-2 home victory over Glastonbury.

The visitors were unable to cope with Chard’s frontline of pace and power, particularly from debutant Marky Jones who put in a man-of-the-match performance with a hat-trick.

Further goals from Ryan Griffiths (2), Harry Perren and substitute Henry Rudkin completed the rout.

Glastonbury threatened on a couple of occasions to creep back into the game after Chard had gone 3-0 up early in the second half, but a flurry of late goals perhaps reflected Chard’s domination of possession and chances. 

Excellent midfield performances from Alex Harper, Josh Lukins and James Close laid the perfect foundation for victory, leaving manager Garry Perren delighted with the team’s all-round performance.