CHARD Town have been hit by the loss of reliable midfielder Matt Howell, who is set to return to his hometown club of Wincanton Town.

The 22-year-old has made 84 first team appearances and scored three goals since joining in the 2016/17 season.

But after a promotion at work – he is a groundsman at Wincanton Racecourse – he has found it increasingly difficult to manage the travelling to Chard, and he leaves with the club’s best wishes.

Chard are due to play away to Wincanton on Easter Monday (April 22).

Before that, seventh-placed Chard are away to Bishop Sutton, who sit 15th in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League, tomorrow (ko 3pm).

The Robins are looking to complete the league double, having beaten their opponents 3-0 in December.

And having not won since January 12, they will be eager for three points which could lift them as high as fifth spot.

Full-back Ollie Pearson is set to return to the squad at Bishop Sutton following suspension, but James Boyland and Joe Smith (who aggravated a stomach strain in training) are both ruled out through injury.

Chard Reserves entertain Sidmouth’s second string at Zembard Lane tomorrow (ko 3pm), while Chard Under-18s are at home to Welton Rovers on Tuesday (March 26, ko 7.30pm).

The Portishead versus Chard Western League fixture – postponed last week – has been rearranged for Tuesday, April 2.

***

ILMINSTER Town are looking to continue their good recent form when they take on Somerset County League Premier Division strugglers Wrington Redhill tomorrow, at the the Archie Gooch Pavilion (ko 3pm).

Last Saturday Wrington lost 2-0 away at Middlezoy Rovers, who sit one place and four points above the Blues in seventh spot.