Chard Hockey second half comeback falls short at Minehead

Three goals down in the first 25 minutes, Chard appeared to be staring a heavy defeat in the face in furthest West Somerset.

Minehead had started strongly and two of the goals were opportunistic strikes by their number 57 centre forward who played high up the pitch throughout the match, always looking for the chance to poach another if the defence relaxed its guard.

Chard had not been without chances themselves before finding themselves three down, but they failed to find the killer touch to match that of the home side.

Tony Millett had also prevented the situation getting worse when the Minehead centre forward ghosted behind the back four for another shot, before Albie Blackwell reduced the arrears with a confidently taken chance as the half hour approached.

Within two minutes he was denied a second goal, his fierce shot palmed away by the keeper.

Still it took a calm clearance from Nathan Bradshaw in front of Chard's net on the stroke of halftime to deny Minehead restoring their three goal advantage, Millett having made an initial stop but helpless to do more as the ball sat invitingly in the goalmouth.

The second half proved just how much confidence one goal can instil.

Although midfield was fiercely contested, it was Chard who began to get the upper hand, Isaac Parris and Ollie Bartlett both in particularly fine form, well supported by Alan Cheffey and Noah Green.

This created more chances for the forwards.

Blackwell's skill and tenacity was proving a real handful for the home defence, another of his shots producing a flying save from the keeper.

He was not to be denied a few minutes later when Cheffey found him with a raking pass out left.

Taking the ball into the D he unleashed a screamer of a shot into the top corner of the net, the keeper beaten by sheer power.

Two further shots from the youngster required further diving saves as Chard continued to mount pressure on the home D, Minehead's experienced and mature squad finding it hard to match the pace of Chard's youthful element.

Chard's defence still had to stay alert to Minehead's more occasional forays, Millett producing another fine stop and Nigel Parris making a timely interception and clearance when the ball ran free from another Millett save.

Try as they might, Chard could not conjure up an equaliser which their second half performance deserved and they had to be satisfied that they had run their hosts close and given a good account of themselves after appearing to be in for a torrid afternoon.