Chard Hockey Club's men's team go ten games without loss

While below par in the first period, Chard dominated in the second half, netting seven goals.

There were some striking individual contributions - a first half hat-trick from centre forward Leo Morais and five goals in the second half from right winger Alec Evans.

Despite that, it was an impressive team performance from the men in green and white.

In the early exchanges Chard were sloppy in possession as they underestimated their bottom-of-the-table opponents.

And it was only after Taunton Vale narrowly missed a far-post deflection that Chard pulled themselves together and started to move the ball more confidently, thanks to the energy of Barnaby Willis as the midfield pivot, against a determined and deep-lying defensive set-up.

Forward Leo Morais is exactly the kind of player you want in a congested D and he displayed his full array of dribbling and finishing capabilities, including a lob and a low drag flick, as he put three goals past the Vale defence before the half-time whistle.

The second half saw Chard come out of the traps very fast and they didn’t let up.

By pressing Vale relentlessly they created a number of counter attacking goals during the second period, with both Matt Sheahan and Alec Evans finishing emphatically after quick turnovers.

Chard were also patient in possession and worked plenty of opportunities to add to the score.

Midfielder Ben Larcombe started and nearly finished a swift passing move and minutes later he struck a shot in off the post after good work from full back Danny Grabham down the left.

Chard were also a threat from set plays and a trio of Evans’ five goals came from well-worked short corner routines.

He may not have got on the scoresheet but Harvey Lupton was named Man of the Match for his tireless effort on the left wing despite being a little under the weather.

A number of spectators braved the cold conditions but were treated to a ten goal win for their side.