Toolstation League Premier Division

IN A game where both sides were looking for a win to take them away from the lower end of the league table, Chard played the best football to come away from Radstock with three points.

With a strong wind and a hard playing surface, close football paid dividends for a Chard side who had not had the best of fortunes, recently suffering several defeats in close finishes.

In the first half, the opening exchanged provided a number of free kicks as both sides strove to combat the windy conditions and the high bounce of the ball from the dry pitch.

On ten minutes, Stuart Parris, Chard's keeper, saved from a Radstock corner, together with a one-on-one save some 12 minutes later.

For Chard, Ollie Pearson crossed well from the left wing with a good through ball by Alex Paul on 25 minutes, with Parris gathering well from a Radstock effort minutes later.

On 30 minutes, Adam Fricker hit the crossbar with a powerful shot from 25 yards and Chard went ahead when Paul headed home from close range.

Radstock pushed forward with a shot wide from a corner and Parris came out well to clear from a further attack. However, Chard went into the break with the one-goal advantage.

The early part of the second half saw Radstock using the long ball to attack, but some excellent defensive work kept the Chard goal intact.

On 61 minutes, Chris Luke provided some skilful work down the midfield for Simon Gale to put in a good run and shot on target, only to see the ball bobble away just wide of the post.

Chard continued their attacking play and a second goal came on 65 minutes. Alex Paul provided the perfect cross from the right wing from Gale to score with a first time shot from six yards out.

A period of pressure by the home side saw a determined Chard defence on form with several well timed tackles and Parris punching clear on 76 minutes.

Late in the game a shot by Luke saw the ball cannon off the home keeper for a corner, with Paul also providing some good forward work.

Radstock got a goal on 88 minutes from the spot after what appeared to be a dubious penalty decision. A corner followed for the home side but this was thankfully cleared to end the game and give Chard a well deserved victory.

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Team: Stuart Parris, Matt Corrick, Steve Grimshaw, Darren Stewart, Mark Scott, Chris Luke, Ollie Pearson, Adam Fricker, Simon Gale, Alex Paul, Craig Platt; Subs: Tony Ball, Neil Rogers.

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THIS result should give Chard confidence as they go into a very busy period of games, the first being a home fixture against Hallen in the Quarter Final of the Les Phillips Cup this Thursday (March 29).

The second is a home game to Calne in a league match this Saturday, March 31, at 3pm, and the third is a further home fixture against Torrington next Tuesday, April 3, with a 7.45pm kick off.