Hockey: Chard's third team secure back-to-back wins

Chard's victory over Sidmouth and Ottery gave the team consecutive wins <i>(Image: Chard Hockey Club)</i>
Chard's victory over Sidmouth and Ottery gave the team consecutive wins (Image: Chard Hockey Club)
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Chard Hockey Club's third XI secured their second consecutive league win, defeating Sidmouth and Ottery despite dreadful weather conditions.

A brace from Noah Green and a penalty corner conversion by Gary Wheaton sealed the victory.

Despite creating numerous chances, Chard ended the first half goalless.

Nathan Bradshaw, Alfie Baker-Pike, and Green all had shots on target, but were thwarted by the Sidmouth keeper and defenders.

In contrast, Tony Millet, guarding Chard's goal, had a quiet first half, with the back four effectively denying Sidmouth any clear chances.

The second half began in a similar vein, with Chard creating opportunities but failing to convert.

However, with the game still goalless, Sidmouth began to hope for more than a draw.

The breakthrough finally came when Green calmly finished a chance created by Ben Berryman's good approach play.

Alan Cheffey then came close, his first-time shot from an Ian Wait cross narrowly missing the post.

Having worked hard for the lead, Chard were disappointed to concede a quick equaliser, the defence momentarily switching off and failing to mark a forward's run to the front post for a close-range tap in.

Green restored the lead within five minutes, finishing a fine team move involving swift, pinpoint, accurate passes between four players.

Wheaton was just off target with another first-time shot before sealing the win with a clinical finish, courtesy of a Cheffey penalty corner and a slip pass from Wait.

The match was sponsored by D R Firstaid, with Claire Winter and Trevor Goss officiating as umpires.

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