GoCrea8 South East 2
Chard B 0, Chard A 1

SATURDAY’S inter-club derby was the last game before the Christmas break and saw a tighter game than the previous encounter, with neither side creating many clear-cut chances.

The B team started the brighter, with a youthful and energetic midfield of Ryan Lewis, Tom Float and Charlie Grossey pressing the A team back.

But for all their endeavours there was not a killer pass, as the As’ back two of Arthur Critchely and Paul Tratt marshalled the area in front of the D very well.

The only goal of the half – and the match – came from a wayward pass as the Bs attacked, with the ball being moved to the newly-arrived Kyle Wheaton, who muscled his way to the edge of the D and crossed for Gareth Eggle to slot in the corner.

The second half was a messy affair, as both teams tried to squeeze everything through the middle of the pitch, though James Float gave a tirelessly committed display.

Play was often interrupted by a number of fouls, which stopped any rhythm in play, but the A team became more dominant as the half went on and Wheaton saw a number of chances go past the post.

Chard B squad: Johnson, Lewis (F), Mooney (K), Swann, Mooney (I), Cheffey, Float (T), Grossey, Lewis (R), Cooper (B), Squire, Bromfield, Lewis (D).

Chard A squad: Green, Critchley, Tratt, Mahoney, Eames, Lane, Wheaton (G), Eggle, Wheaton (K), Knight, Horne, Kennard, Goss.

Thanks to umpires Danny Graham and Ben Larcombe.

The win puts Chard A four points clear at the top of the South East 2 table, with Chard B sixth.