CHARD Town travel to Chippenham Park this Saturday in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League (ko 3pm), writes Colin Dunford.

Although Chippenham are still second from bottom in the table, they have improved considerably with new players in recent weeks, and Chard – with one defeat in their last 10 games – will need to be wary.

Next Wednesday (January 16, ko 7.30pm), Chard entertain Welton Rovers in a re-arranged league game.

Missing for Chard will be Tom Salter (still two weeks away) and Steve Friend (knee), while Eliott Dyer dislocated his elbow late on Saturday and is unlikely to be fit.

But Jacob Manley, Tom Hargreaves and Steve Smith could all turn out for the Reserves to gain match fitness.

Striker James Boyland, who was ill last weekend, Nathan Warren and Matt Howell should all return.

Manager Jamie Manley has added Steve Friend to his backroom staff, as first team player-coach.

CHARD Reserves entertain title-chasing Lapford in Division 1 of the Macron Devon & Exeter League at Zembard Lane on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Chard Under-18s were at Cheddar last (Tuesday) night, and are due to entertain Winscombe, the only team to beat them in the league this season, next Tuesday (January 15, ko 7.30pm).

In the Somerset County League, Ilminster Town travel to Premier Division basement side Odd Down Reserves and Combe St Nicholas travel to Tunley Athletic in Division e.