After the disappointment of two postponed games it was good to see that the match at Zembard Lane on Saturday was confirmed as on. The groundsman and his assistants had worked their magic and prepared the pitch to a perfect standard. As the players were out warming up a heavy shower came over but in the distance there was a blue sky.

Worle started the game on the front foot playing down the slope and put Chard under pressure straight away. This enabled Chard to counter attack but after 7m they were caught out and Worle scored a well worked goal.

This inspired the Chard team and with Richard Hebditch and Alex Manley running the midfield they started to fight back. After 20m a great ball forward for Joe Chamberlain to run onto, with a defender to beat Joe was the stronger and with the goalkeeper rushing out he calmly placed the ball under him to equalise. 1-1

34m another ball from midfield to Joe Chamberlain this time running down the left, he squared the ball through the legs of the defender, with James Boyland in a perfect position he made no mistake to get his seventh goal of the season.

Half Time 2-1

Worle come out into the second half looking for an equaliser but running up the slope on a heavy pitch is not easy. Chard also struggled with the heavy pitch and there was no silky skill football.

Almost on the hour a shot into the box was parried by the Worle keeper who had being strong all afternoon. Joe Chamberlain was first to the rebound and scored the third goal. Heads started to drop now and Chard started creating chances. Max Westlake, Ryan Lewis and Ryan Mason were pushing a high line, even Tim Legg got forward to put a shot in.

On 73m Joe Chamberlain who had another fantastic game had a perfect chance for his hat trick only to hit the post.

That post also denied Olly Board a goal after some great work in the box. In the last five minutes Joe Chamberlain pulled up and couldn't continue. Andrew Holmes came on to make his first home appearance for Chard this season, not enough time to score though as the final whistle blew.

Another solid performance from everyone on the pitch today, it's good to see the football club becoming successful. Off the pitch Chard are still looking for potential sponsors to help with the running of the football club.

Chard Town FC have a patrons club that you can join with some great benefits.

They have also had a successful Bingo Night and Quiz Night and more is planned. Follow them on their social media pages to keep up to date with activities.

 

1. J.Contreras 2. R.Lewis 3. R. Mason 4. S.Wells-Burr 5. T. Legg 6. A.Manley (C) 7. J.Chamberlain 8. O.Board  9. J. Boyland 10. R. Hebditch

11. M.Westlake

12. K. Bailey 14.F.Downes  15. A. Holmes 16. S. Parris {GK}

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Goals: J.Chamberlain 2   J. Boyland 1

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After the disappointing result on Saturday Chard Town FC had the chance to get back to winning form on Tuesday night 12th March.

 

Facing a strong Wells City Reserves who had only lost 4 games and were third in the table it wasn't going to be an easy night.

 

With several players unavailable and games piling up Homer had to reshuffle the team which gave Jake Davey a great chance to gain experience alongside Kieran Bailey.

 

The game started with great tempo but not many chances from Wells but Chard pressed and the Wells goalkeeper was the busier in the first half. Half Time 0-0

 

The second half started the same as the first half. Alex Manley came on replacing Jake Davey as a tactical change, playing football on a heavy pitch that started cutting up wasn't easy. Again the Wells keeper was kept busy and a shot hit the post it was one of them nights for Chard Town FC and it was looking like a 0-0 draw, only a mistake from either side would make a difference.

 

70m Jason Contreras came off his line for a ball that should have been left for a defender, the Wells player got to the ball first and looped it over the Chard stopper. 0-1

 

Five minutes later with Chard pressing for the equaliser Wells scored again as the Chard defence started to switch off. 0-2

 

Max Westlake was replaced by Liam Cleal and Cruz Harrod-Baker came on to make his first team debut replacing Captain Mason.

 

Full Time a rare defeat at Zembard Lane for Chard Town FC but the positives of a young side gaining experience against a strong team is good to see for the future.

 

Games are coming round quickly now, another home game on Saturday v Wrington Redhill hopefully Chard Town FC can get to winning again.

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1. J.Contreras 2. R.Lewis 3. R. Mason (C) 4. K. Bailey 5. J. Davey 6. O. Board 7. M. Westlake 8. F. Downes 9. W. Board 10. J. Clapp 11. J. Boyland

12. A. Manley 14. N. Warren  15. L. Cleal 16. C. Fielder 17. C. Harrod-Baker

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After two defeats in a row it was important to get back to winning again, Wrington Redhill were the visitors to Zembard Lane on Saturday.

 

It didn't take long, after only 4m a mazy run from James Boyland into the box then a perfect ball to the feet of Jordon Clapp to place the ball into the net. Wrington Redhill responded and Jason Contreras had to produce some good saves to keep a clean sheet.

 

Chard pressed again and hit the bar, then in the 17m Will Board finally got his first goal for Chard Town. After 36m another dribble into the box by James Boyland found Jordan Clapp at the back post to nod in the third goal of the afternoon and his 12th league goal in 7 appearances. Again Wrington Redhill responded and a shot on goal deflected of a defender into the bottom right corner with Jason Contreras diving to his left. HT 3-1

 

Wrington Redhill came out into the second half looking to get their second goal, but it was Chard who started to play some great passing football, Will Board running down the right found Liam Cleal with a perfect pass, Scamp finished it off in great style with a spectacular volley.

 

First sub of the afternoon James Boyland who had taken a knock was replaced by Conor Fielder. 63m Fin went off to be replaced by Olly Board then 65m Conor Fielder was forced off with an ankle injury and Jack Male replaced him.

 

Chances were created at both ends then the final sub on 73m Ryan Lewis with a 100% appearance record for this season was replaced by Jake Dennis who made an impact straight away with a fine cross into the box. With three players choosing who was going to shoot it was Will Board with his second of the afternoon to make it 5-1.

 

With the heavy conditions both teams started to tire. On 82m another goalmouth scramble found the ball at Will Boards feet who put the ball in the net for his hat trick. In the final seconds of the game another cross into the box found Jordon Clapp to get his hat trick. Full Time 7-1

 

A great response from everyone on the pitch today. Jason Contreras with some great saves, Alex Manley running the midfield, Charlie Male had a great game at Left Back and the pairing of Tim Legg and Scott Wells-Burr in the centre of the defence.

 

Another home game next Saturday will be a hard game v Clevedon United. KO 3pm

 

Off the pitch we have our second bingo night on Sunday 24th. Doors open at 6pm eyes down at 6.45. Contact us to book a table.

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1. J.Contreras 2. R.Lewis 3. C. Male 4. S.Wells-Burr 5. T. Legg 6. A.Manley (C) 7. J. Boyland 8. F. Downes  9. W, Board 10. J. Clapp 11. L. Cleal

12. O. Board 14. J.Dennis 15. J. Male 16. C. Fielder

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Goals: O. Board 3 J.Clapp 3 L. Cleal 1

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On Saturday Clevedon United were the visitors to Zembard Lane a tough team to beat although their form has dipped lately and they were 7th in league.

 

Chard started down the slope in the first half and created some good chances. Clevedon started to settle and created some of their own.

 

On the 23m Jordon Clapp had a chance on goal from a tight angle, the goalkeeper saved it but it bounced back to Jordons feet, he didn't miss the second time putting over the keeper into the roof of the net. Up to half time Chard pushed for the second goal but didn't succeed.

 

Defending up the slope isn't easy but protecting a 1-0 lead would be hard work for 45m. Clevedon United played some great football but hardly troubled Jason Contreras in goal. On 72m Max Westlake went off to be replaced by Joe Chamberlain who had suffered an injury a couple of weeks ago, after the game he said it was still not right. On 80m Jordon Clapp went off to be replaced by the rested James Boyland. Fresh legs up front might just get us the the winner. It wasn't to be and the game ended 1-0

 

Another good win and 3 points on the board, Chard move up to 7th in the league.

 

As games come round quickly we need to rotate the squad as much as possible. On Wednesday night 27th Timsbury are the visitors then on Saturday we play away at Clutton followed by another home game on Monday against Uphill Castle. Our front three will be missing for the last two of them games so it will be interesting to see who will replace them.

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1. J.Contreras 2. R.Lewis 3. L. Cleal 4. S.Wells-Burr 5. T. Legg 6. A.Manley (C) 7. W. Board 8. O. Board  9. F. Downes 10. J. Clapp 11. M. Westlake

12. J. Boyland 14. R. Mason 15. J. Chamberlain

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Goals: J.Clapp 

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On Saturday 30th March we travelled to Clutton without a win in the league we knew it wouldn't be easy.

 

With our leading goalscorers away and Joe Chamberlain not 100% fit made it even worse.

 

Clutton started the game very well and caused problems early on, they weren't looking like a side without a win, Chard started to get into the game themselves. A goalmouth scramble in the 34th minute Joe Chamberlain got kicked on the ankle, in all the melee Liam Cleal went in to see if Joe was OK and got sin - binned. The referee applying the new law of the game that if there is two players around him and a third joins in, one of them will be cautioned.

 

With Chard now down to 10 men, three minutes later Clutton played a nice ball into midfield then laid it off to their forward and scored.

 

1-0 at half time Chard still had a chance to get back into the game,

 

From the start of the second half Liam Cleal had a great chance but the goalkeeper made a great save. On 50m Joe Chamberlain couldn't continue anymore and Jake Dennis came on. With a fully fit player up top Chard started creating problems. On 67m a great ball in from Will Board to Jake Dennis who controlled the ball superbly and planted the ball into the bottom corner. 1-1. Chard were now pushing for the second goal to win the game until 10m later a ball over the top caught them out and Clutton scored their second.

 

With a game on Monday subs were made near the end but an equaliser for Chard didn't happen.

 

First win of the season for Clutton, despite Chard not having a full strength squad they had the chances. 24hrs off and a home again on Monday.

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1. J.Contreras 2. C. Male 3. R. Mason 4. S.Wells-Burr 5. R. Lewis 6. A.Manley (C) 7. M. Westlake 8. F. Downes  9. J. Chamberlain 10. W. Board 11. l. Cleal

12. A. Holmes 14. C. Harrod-Baker 15. J. Dennis 16. D. Duarte

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Goals: J.Dennis

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Easter Monday and Uphill Castle were the visitors to Zembard Lane again our front three weren't available so Ryan Mason was up front with Liam Cleal and some of our U18s players were brought in as Tim Legg was unavailable, Conor Fielder is injured and both Board boys were away. Good experience for the youths of Chard.

 

The game started of very lively and within 5m a great ball was punted down the left wing for Liam Cleal who squared the ball across the penalty area for Ryan Mason to blast the ball into the back of the net. Last time he scored for Chard was at Stockwood Green on 15th January 2022.

 

Uphill Castle responded and started to press and on the 27m a throw in wasn't cleared by the Chard defence and they scored. From the kick off Chard attacked and with their goalkeeper beaten Liam Cleals shot was kicked of the line by a defender. 36m Scott Wells-Burr had a chance with a pile driver but was well tipped over by the goalkeeper. 1-1 at halftime.

 

The second half was a scrappy one chances created at either end, as the game came to a close the youngsters were brought on to give them some experience at a higher level then Andrew Holmes was brought on for the last few minutes to try and get the winning goal.

 

Uphill Castle had a great chance to win the game but was denied by Jason Contreras.

 

A good game of football from both sides and handled well by the referee.

 

A tough away fixture for Chard on Saturday against Mendip Broadwalk who are the champions in waiting. Without a full strength team it will be difficult.

 

Our next home again is the local Derby against Ilminster Town FC on the 9th April KO 7.30PM

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1. J.Contreras 2. R. Lewis 3. C. Harrod-Baker 4. S.Wells-Burr 5. J. Davey 6. L. Price  7. C. Male 8. A.Manley (C)  9. J, Chamberlain 10. F. Downes 11. l. Cleal

12. A. Holmes 14. R. Mason 15. O. Ford 16. L. Manley

 

* R. Mason started the game replacing J. Chamberlain

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Goals: R. Mason

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On Saturday we travelled to Mendip Broadwalk without a full strength team unlike the previous game which was postponed.

 

With Mendip on top of the league and probably champions it wasn't going to be an easy afternoon.

 

With captain Alex Manley as an emergency centre back as Scott Wells-Burr was injured and up front Ryan Mason who is usually Left Back.

 

Chard played some great football but with our top scorers still unavailable it was difficult to see where a goal would come from Will Board learning his craft up front worked hard but found it difficult against more experienced players.

 

On 35m a mistake at the back and the ball wasn't cleared Mendip took their chance and scored. After been under pressure for so long they started to get into the game, Going in at half time would be a good first half for Chard. With seconds to go the Mendip attacker created space and he wasn't closed down and fired a thunderbolt into the bottom corner Jason Contreras had no chance of stopping it. 2-0 at half time.

 

With the swirling wind Chard started the second half determined to get back into the game, again plenty chances created but no goal scored.

 

On 71m Tim Legg who had held the defence together was subbed and Andrew Holmes replaced him.

 

83m Mendip put a ball over the top and Jason Contreras came out to clear it, unluckily it hit the attacker who then passed it to another player who chipped it over Jason as he was trying to get back on his line. As the Chard players had put in such a good shift against a strong team they started to tire and on 88m Mendip got their 4th goal of the afternoon. FT 4-0

 

An unfair result but to win games you need to score goals, Mendip didn't play very well but they took their chances and won the game. With a full strength team the result may have been different. Tuesday night 9th April Chard should have Jordon Clapp and James Boyland available again for the Derby game against Ilminster Town KO 7.30PM

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1. J.Contreras 2. R. Lewis 3. C. Male 4. D. Anjos 5. T. Legg 6.A.Manley (C)   7. M. Westlake 8. F. Downes  9. R. Mason 10. W. Board 11. l. Cleal

12. A. Holmes 13. S, Parris 14. J. Clapp 15. J. Boyland 16. S, Wells-Burr

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Ilminster Town were the visitors to Zembard Lane on Tuesday night 9th April. Unusual to have a night game for the local derby. Hopefully it won't be a nightmare.

 

Chard started the game up the slope and pressed Ilminster from the start. With James Boyland and Jordon Clapp back in the team goals will be scored. After 11m a corner from Liam Cleal was met full on the volley by James Boyland and nearly burst the net into the crowd behind the goal.

 

Ilminster responded but the young ones at the back held firm, Jake Davey and Liam Price didn't let them in.

 

On the half hour a great effort was cleared off the line, from the corner Jordon Clapp got his head on it and put it across the goal, Liam Price headed it towards goal but it was well saved by Shane Allen.

 

Half Time at 1-0 it was still not over, but playing down the slope has its advantages.

 

It only took 5m after half time a great ball into the box and captain Alex Manley gambled and sneaked in at the back post to head in the second of the night.

 

20 minutes later a free kick was awarded deep down the right hand side. Lee Sweet wasn't happy and told the referee what he thought. Liam Cleal stood up to take it and curled it sweetly into the top corner of the goal. Lee Sweet continued his protest and was Sin Binned then he used unacceptable language to the referee so he was shown a red card. Down to 10 men Ilminster struggled to get back into the game.

 

75m Owen Ford came on for James Boyland who had cramp and Cruz came on for Ryan Lewis who made his 23rd appearance for the season out of 23.

 

It didn't take long for the Young Ones to shine Owen Ford beating the tired defence with his skilful footwork put in a great ball for Cruz to finish it with style. 4-0

 

82m another one for the future Luca Manley who had put a great shift in for his first full debut put a delightful ball through, splitting the defence for Cruz to get his second of the night.

 

86m a chance for Jordon Clapp with a penalty but it was well saved by Shane Allen the second attempt was also saved. Unlucky for Jordon who has scored 14 goals from 8 appearances.

 

Full Time and referee Dave Trevaskus brought the game to a close, he handled the game very well and got everything right.

 

A great victory for Chard and getting back to winning again, Andrew Holmes has done a fantastic job for the club and looking forward to the 2024/25 season.

 

Hopefully Ilminster can survive this defeat and stay up, it would be a shame to lose the fixtures against each other.

 

Chard are on the road again this Saturday to Nailsea United KO 3pm. With only two more home games out of seven. Chard are at home Tuesday 30th April v Timsbury KO 7.30PM

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1. J.Contreras 2. R. Lewis 3. C. Male 4. L. Price 5. J. Davey 6. A.Manley (C)  7. L. Cleal 8. L. Manley  9. J. Clapp 10. F. Downes 11. J. Boyland

12. A. Holmes 14. C. Harrod-Baker 15. O. Ford 

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Goals: J.  Boyland 1 A. Manley 1  L. Cleal 1 C.Harrod-Baker 2

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After the great win on Tuesday night Chard travelled to Nailsea who are in the middle of the table so the form book would have said a draw.

 

Chard started well creating chances but again our leading goalscorer Jordon Clapp was missing and Tim Legg was still injured. So once again players were having to play out of position. Joe Chamberlain was back but still not to his best.

 

After 7m great play from James Boyland found Joe Chamberlain in space, his shot was saved but Liam Cleal was quick to put it into the back of the net. Straight from the restart Nailsea attacked and hit the bar.

 

All afternoon Jason Contreras was struggling to find the Chard players, because of the gusty wind.

 

On 32m a stray clearance found a Nailsea attacker who pounced on the ball and struck a sweet shot for the equaliser. Three minutes later a free kick was crossed into the box, Jason Contreras came out to catch it and again the swirling wind took it over his head into the goal. 2-1 at half time was harsh.

 

The second half started and a reshuffle to get back into the game didn't work for Chard.

 

As Chard was pushing forward Nailsea got their third after 67m and killed the game. Will Board came on for Joe Chamberlain but Chard couldn't get another goal. In the dying minutes Nailsea got their fourth of the afternoon, it was a maximus win for Nailsea as it shot them up the table.

 

The games are coming thick and fast now as the season is closing, travelling away is tiring for the team and having a Derby match on Tuesday didn't help matters.

 

Next Saturday we travel to Chilcompton and then away again the following Saturday to Fry Club. Two tough games, hopefully we can have a full strength team.

 

On the 25th May we are holding a Summer Fun Day which includes the FA Cup Final then Seatrees are providing live music at night. More information will be on our Social Media platforms.

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1. J.Contreras 2. R. Mason 3. C. Male 4. S. Wells-Burr 5. R. Lewis 6. A.Manley (C)  7. M. Westlake 8. F. Downes  9. J. Chamberlain 10. J. Boyland 11. L. Cleal

12. A. Holmes 14. W. Board

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Goals: L. Cleal 1

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On Saturday we travelled to Chilcompton looking for revenge after they knocked us out of the cup.

 

With a near enough first choice 11 the bench was a bit empty. Chard started off on the front foot and within minutes Jordon Clapp had his first shot on goal. Confidence was building and plenty of chances were created with James Boyland and his wizardly skills turning the defenders inside out.

 

On the 8th minute Jordon Clapp deep in midfield passed a great ball over to James Boyland. He ran to the byline then cut back inside, creating plenty space to cross the ball to the back post where Jordon Clapp was waiting to nod it in.

 

Chilcompton responded and started creating some good football and started causing problems down Chards left.

 

On 28th minute a cross into the box was met with a great touch into the bottom corner and Chilcompton got their equaliser.

 

5m later in a carbon copy of their first goal Chilcompton got their second. It was harsh after Chard had played so well, to go into halftime a goal behind.

 

With the wind behind them the second half might bring more luck. Again Chard played some great football, playing a high line meant the midfield could get involved more. Will Board started to get the better of the defenders.

 

On 53m a great through ball for Jordon Clapp found him with only the keeper to beat. The keeper saved it but it fell back to Jordons feet and he put it into the bottom corner. A draw would be a good result against a strong Chilcompton team but Chard pushed for the winner James Boyland had a chance but passed it to Jordon instead of shooting for goal.

 

With minutes left on the clock a goalmouth scramble resulted in a penalty given to Chilcompton. Jason Contreras was incensed as he felt he was fouled in the melee. Definitely a strange decision.

 

Chilcompton scored the penalty, as a result from the scuffle Tim Legg was injured so he was replaced by Ryan Mason. With seconds to go Chard had a corner, it was delivered deep to the back post for Ryan Mason to get his head on it, unable to direct it towards goal it went wide and the whistle blew to end the game.

 

A disappointing end to the game and a loss after everyone gave their all, some great spirit throughout the squad bears well for the future for Chard Town FC. Our U18s are doing well this year and some have already experienced first team football this season. They have a big game on Tuesday night as Yeovil Town bring their youth team to Zembard Lane KO 7.30PM

 

Next Saturday Chard travel away to Fry Club another tough game and 3 points against them might get us higher up the table.

 

We are looking for sponsors for next season and various opportunities are available. Contact us for more details.

 

1. J.Contreras 2. R. Lewis 3. L. Cleal 4. S. Wells-Burr 5. T. Legg (C) 6. C. Male  7. M. Westlake 8. F. Downes  9. J. Clapp 10. W. Board 11. J. Boyland

12. A. Holmes 14. R. Mason

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Goals: J. Clapp 2

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Chard travelled to Fry Club on Saturday looking for 3 points to get us up into a better position in the table.

 

It wasn't a good start and after 20m Fry Club took the lead and five minutes later nearly got their second.

 

On 30m Chard got the equaliser they were looking for from James Boyland with his eighth goal of the season. Five minutes later great pressure from Chard resulted in their second goal of the game from Max Westlake. Going in at half time winning 2-1 is never easy.

 

The second half started and Fry Club went looking for the equaliser, five minutes into the second half they got the goal they were looking for.

 

Chances were created at both ends as the teams went looking for the winner, it was looking like the points were going to be shared.

 

With three minutes left of the game Frys attacker created space and scored a wordlie to get the winner.

 

Another last minute winner against Chard when a point away from home was looking good.

 

Onto Tuesday night with a home game against Timsbury Athletic KO 7.30PM £3 entry.

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1. J.Contreras 2. R. Lewis 3. L. Cleal 4. S. Wells-Burr 5. T. Legg  6. C. Male  7. M. Westlake 8. A. Manley (C}  9. J. Clapp 10. M. Westlake 11. J. Boyland

12. J. Chamberlain 14. F. Downes

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Goals: J. Boyland 1 M. Westlake 1

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