Toolstation Western League
First Division
Welton Rovers 2, Chard Town 3

THREE first-half goals gave Chard Town the three points away to Welton Rovers on Saturday, taking them up to fifth in the table.

The Robins were without injured goalkeeper Scott Wells-Burr, so Alex Cunnold took over between the posts, while injuries in the striking department meant that midfielder Nathan Warren was pushed up front.

This move immediately paid dividends when, after only three minutes, a good move down the left ended with Warren finding space to strike home.

Assisted by a stiff breeze, the visitors continued to have much the best of the play for the first half, and on 14 minutes, following a good ball across the field, Max Westlake’s effort won a corner.

The Robins continued with the pressure and were 2-0 up on 23 minutes, when a goalmouth scramble saw Warren's shot deflected in off Welton defender Aaron Cockerill for an own goal.

A minute later, Welton got a goal back when Cunnold's attempt to clear was bundled over the line by Aaron Seviour.

But Chard set up further attacks and, on the half-hour, Nathan Warren spotted home keeper Tom Drewitt way out from his goal-line.

His pinpoint lob from just inside the Welton half nestled in the back of the net to make the score 3-1 at half-time.

In the second half, with the wind in their favour, the hosts had more of the attacking play, with a shot wide on 57 minutes and reducing the arrears eight minutes later following a free-kick, Seviour again getting the finishing touch.

Chard did have further scoring opportunities, with Ryan Parris’ shot just wide, Warren having a shot saved and Liam Cleal also going close.

With 10 minutes remaining, Stephen Friend and Jacob Manley came on for Ryan Parris and Sam Smith and, although Welton pushed hard for an equaliser, Chard's defence held firm.

The home side's Will Hunter received a second yellow card for a late tackle on Friend, and the Robins came away with the win.

Chard Town: Alex Cunnold, Thomas Salter, Oliver Pearson, Elliot Dyer, Kieran Bailey (c), Ben Haines, Max Westlake, Sam Smith, Ryan Parris, Nathan Warren, Liam Cleal. Subs (used): Stephen Friend, Jacob Manley.

This Friday sees Chard host Bishops Lydeard (ko noon), and on Easter Monday they go to Wincanton Town (ko 3pm).