Toolstation Western League First Division

Oldland Abbotonians 1, Chard Town 3

Chard Town picked up three more points after another quality team performance, on a surprisingly good pitch after recent rain, against a resolute Bristol-based side.

Oldland pushed forward from the kick-off and broke the deadlock inside two minutes when Josh Williams went through a static Chard defence to score from close range.

Chard, however, immediately responded with a free-kick followed by some fast, incisive attacking play with Dan Collins crossing well for Liam Cleal to stroke the ball home on six minutes.

A long ball gave the visitors a further scoring chance together with Oldland Abbotonians not taking advantage of several corner kicks.

The hosts then had a chance cleared off the line on the half hour with a further shot over the bar but, as the half progressed, Chard started to create more scoring opportunities with Ryan Parris firing narrowly wide before half-time.

The second half saw Chard immediately on the attack with Liam Cleal scoring again on 52 minutes with a well-directed shot to calmly complete his brace and give Chard a decisive lead.

The Abbots did not give up the cause, hitting the bar on 65 minutes with the resulting corner headed wide.

With substitutes Steve Friend & James Boyland on, Chard saw further chances go adrift together with Chard’s ‘keeper Scot Well-Burr positioning himself well to save from Oldland’s direct efforts.

Late in the game Chard looked to add to their lead with Boyland firing wide.

The third goal came at the death when Boyland quickly pounced to go through and score after the home ‘keeper lost control of the ball.

A well-earned victory with a valuable three points for Chard to keep their top spot in the league just above Cheddar, who have three games in hand.

Chard: Scott Wells-Burr, Elliot Dyer (Ben Haines 80), Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey,capt Matthew Howell, Max Westlake, Nathan Warren, Ryan Parris (James Boyland 73), Dan Collins (Stephen Friend 63), Liam Cleal