Toolstation Western League First Division
Corsham Town 1, Chard Town 0 

IT was a disappointing result for Chard Town at Corsham Town on Saturday.

The visitors had the best of the attacking play early on but a soft goal midway through the first half gave the hosts the lead which they held on to for the remainder of the game.

Straight from the kick-off, Chard set up a good move with a Max Westlake effort just over the bar to be followed by several chances but none produced the required final finish.

On 21 minutes, following some confusion in midfield, together with poor defending, Corsham’s Josh Bright went through and, with keeper Scott Wells-Burr advancing off his line, he calmly slid the ball past him into the net.

Chard countered immediately and won a corner. This was followed by a good run into the home area by Nathan Warren, only to be brought down for what appeared to be a penalty. 

However, with a free-kick only awarded on the edge of the box, the ball was struck over the bar to be followed by a similar free-kick headed clear of the target on the half-hour.

Further chances were blocked by home keeper Mark Billingsley and over the bar or wide up to the half-time break.

The second half saw the home side more positive, creating scoring opportunities.

For their part, Chard saw a shot deflected for a corner together with several long distance throw-ins by Andrew Holmes failing to produce a finish.

Corsham pushed to increase their slender lead with Scott Wells-Burr saving well on 70 minutes and pushing a further shot around the post for a corner minutes later.

With James Boyland and Ben Haines on for Jacob Manley and the injured Nathan Warren, Chard pressed hard in the latter stages to gain something from the match with a shot which cannoned off the post on 82 minutes Billingsley saved a Matt Howell shot and tipped a Max Westlake effort over the bar on the final whistle.

Chard: Scott Wells-Burr, Elliot Dyer, Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Matthew Howell, Max Westlake, Nathan Warren ( for Ben Haines 71mins.) Ryan Parris, Jacob Manley (for James Boyland 61mins) Liam Cleal. Sub (not used) Tom Salter.

Somerset League Premier Division
Nailsea & Tickenham 6, Ilminster Town 1

AFTER three defeats on the spin, Ilminster travelled to Nailsea for a difficult fixture, writes Andy Fish.

The home side finished third in the Premier last season and beat League Champions Chilcompton in the Somerset Senior Cup final.

Ilminster matched the home side in the first ten minutes with Alex Paul having the first sight of goal but then gave away possession cheaply to concede through a clinical strike. 

Young Jack Read then had a good effort where the home keeper did well to save.

Nailsea upped the tempo and their talented front three added goals in the 20th and 30th minute. 

Ilminster, to their credit, never dropped their heads and, from a Brad Miles free-kick, Adam Male swept the ball home to reduce the arrears just before half-time.

The second half was evenly matched and both sides had half-chances with Chris May on top of his game as he made a couple of fine saves.

Ilminster brought on all three substitutes with Kieran Manley and the Pitman brothers giving the Blues more momentum and when Charlie Rutter headed down, young Manley had a great chance to get his side back in the match but he miss-hit his shot.

With Ilminster pushing forward and creating chances and ten minutes left on the clock it was Nailsea who broke a way to make the game safe with a good goal to make it 4-1.

They added another two goals very late on to put an unfair reflection on the scoreline but they were worthy winners and moved into the top four with the victory.

For Ilminster, Brad Pitman played well when he came on and Charlie Rutter also had a good match, with Chris May also back to his best in goal. 

The side can take heart that for periods they matched a very good side and did keep creating chances. 

Ilminster: Chris May, Luke Paul, George Miles, Ashley Lock, Doug Whitfield, Brad Miles, Alex Paul, Charlie Rutter, Andy Whitefield, Carl Lazenby, Jack Read. Subs (used) - Ben Pitman, Brad Pitman, Kieran Manley.

Next week it’s cup action as Cheddar Reserves come to the Archie Gooch Pavilion in the Somerset Senior Cup 2nd round for a 2pm kick-off.

Cheddar are having a good season and are unbeaten and top of Division 3, so it will be another stiff test for the Blues.