Toolstation Western League
First Division
Chard Town 0, Ashton & Backwell Utd 2

CHARD Town went into this game against Ashton & Backwell again without several regular squad players, and suffered a home defeat after the visitors scored a goal in each half.

This victory pushed Ashton & Backwell up to third place, four points ahead of Chard in fifth – the Robins having lost their last six games in all competitions.

Chard had an early opportunity but somehow the ball could not find the visitors' net.

Ashton & Backwell countered with a shot over the bar and a chance ruled offside on 12 minutes.

With neither side able to create a finish in front of goal, an unfortunate handball in the Chard area saw Ashton & Backwell going ahead on 30 minutes, Callum Townsend scoring from the penalty spot.

The Robins had their own appeal for handball in the area turned down, followed by a Joe Smith shot which was straight at the keeper.

Andy Holmes crashed an effort off the crossbar just after the hour before the visitors created some good chances themselves, forcing Scott Wells-Burr into some good saves before missing an open goal.

The second goal arrived on 75 minutes, when Dan Elson scored from close range following a corner.

Chard did push hard to rescue something from the game with a good cross by Tom Salter, a shot headed off the line and a strike by Smith wide of the goal.

However, they could not penetrate a tight defence and the visitors took the points.

Chard Town: Scott Wells-Burr, Elliot Dyer, Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey (c), Matthew Howell (Sam Smith 70), Thomas Salter (Alex Harper 80), Ryan Parris, Joseph Smith, James Boyland, Liam Cleal (Harry Perren 82). Sub not used: Josh Lukins.