Toolstation Western League
First Division
Devizes Town 2, Chard Town 1

THIS final game of the season was always going to be a lottery with the strong gale force wind blowing straight down the pitch.

The wind favoured Devizes in the first half and although Chard countered with some good moves the home side went ahead on 28 minutes through a Matt Russell header.

Straight from the kick-off, Devizes set up several chances with Chard goalkeeper Scott Wells-Burr tested twice in quick succession.

The visitors worked well to create scoring chances with Kieran Bailey firing over, James Boyland's effort saved and Max Westlake shooting just wide.

With a number of free-kicks awarded for Chard, it appeared they had equalised on 42 minutes when Nathan Warren had the ball in the net, but the referee's whistle had already gone for a further free-kick for Chard.

They opened the second half with several chances and, on 53 minutes, Sam Smith replaced Max Westlake as the Robins continued to push hard.

But at the other end, following a poor back-pass across the face of goal, Devizes' Tom Slater was in position to slot the ball into the net and put the home side 2-0 up on 57 minutes.

Another substitute, Jacob Manley, made an instant impact when a powerful long range shot by Warren was parried out by the keeper, and Manley was on hand to fire home on 62 minutes.

With end-to-end play, Devizes hit the bar and Chard almost got an equaliser when Boyland went through on the right.

His first-time shot was brilliantly pushed away one-handed by keeper Adam Walters who, with several excellent saves over the course of the match, was named star player.

Chard pushed again with a chance for Stephen Friend, together with a further strike by Warren just wide on the final whistle.

Chard: Scott Wells-Burr, Thomas Salter (Elliot Dyer 59), Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey (c), Ben Haines, Max Westlake (Sam Smith 53), Nathan Warren, Ryan Parris (Jacob Manley 59), Stephen Friend, James Boyland. Subs not used: Liam Cleal, Ryan Mason.

Overall, Chard had a great period up to Christmas but fell away somewhat during the New Year, finishing in a creditable seventh position in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League.