Somerset County League Cup: Chard Town 5-1 Minehead

CHARD Town dumped Minehead out of the County League Knock Out cup in a performance which made clear why the Robins play in a higher league than their visitors.

The hosts opened the scoring when Will Board’s left footed shot eight yards out coincided with a tackle coming in from Rob Vickers and the ball screwed past the veteran keeper at the foot of the near post.

By the half hour stage, the hosts had doubled their lead through centre forward James Boyland who found the right-hand corner with a rising shot.

Soon afterwards Mike Graddon’s challenge on Will Board was deemed a foul, but a fine save by Jones from Scott Wells-Burr’s penalty kick averted a third.

At half time Minehead introduced Reserve team player Luke Badcock into the heart of the defence where he replaced Mike Graddon, but Minehead’s play remained disjointed and with them struggling to retain the ball it was no surprise when Chard increased their lead a few minutes later through Connor Fielder.

Minehead’s top scorer Guy Burns then poached a minor lifeline for his side when Chard keeper Jason Contreras completely missed his attempted clearance, with the experienced striker taking advantage of the air-shot by reaching the loose ball first and slotting home.

By the hour mark Minehead had used the remainder of their four substitutes; Matty Ronan replacing Alfie Lyons, another second-string player Scott Kivell coming on for Matt Trump and shortly afterwards first team regular Hubi Wejnerowski replaced captain Stefan Phillips.

Two more goals from the hosts in quick succession, firstly from an incisive move it was Board who finished the impressively to record a brace, followed by a superb shot from James Boyland whose angled shot flew into the top corner to give the centre forward the same accolade.

To add salt into The Blues’ wounds, after substitute Matty Ronan was booked for a challenge, his colourful comment to the official saw him sent off.