Chard Hockey Club's third XI suffered a 5-0 defeat in their first league match of the season against Culm Valley Hornets' third, XI.
The Hornets, benefiting from a competitive fixture last week and a 15-man squad, dominated from the start.
They attacked relentlessly in the first half, taking an early lead within the first 10 minutes, and adding three more goals before half-time.
Chard struggled to cope with the Hornets' sharpness in 50/50 situations and their constant pressure left little room for manoeuvre.
The second half saw a more competitive Chard side, who began to find attacking opportunities down the wings.
Ollie Bartlett was effective on the right, while captain Gary Wheaton controlled the midfield with his swift distribution and neat passing.
Forwards Alfie Baker-Pike, Archie Parris, and Nathan Bradshaw managed to pose some threats to the Hornets' defence.
A goal for Chard would not have been undeserved at this stage.
However, the Hornets managed to regain some of their first-half attacking intensity in the dying minutes, adding a fifth goal three minutes from time.
A mishit cross from the right wrong-footed Chard's keeper, Tony Millet, leaving a Hornets forward with a simple tap-in.
Despite the score, Chard's makeshift squad put up a commendable fight.
Paul Sainsbury delivered a solid performance as sweeper while Paul Bradshaw impressed in an unfamiliar role at right back.
Elliot Webb, in his preferred left back position, was a standout performer, his well-timed tackles and pace disrupting many of the Hornets' right-wing attacks in the second half.
Chard's squad for the match was Millet, P Bradshaw, S Mahoney, Sainsbury, Webb, Wheaton, A Cheffey, Bartlett, N Bradshaw, Baker-Pike, Parris, and F Bowie.
The match was sponsored by Albert Goodman, Chartered Accountants.
Share