Town prepare for busy Easter

Chard Town 1, Ashton & Backwell 1

CHARD Town could have walked away with a decisive victory against Ashton & Backwell if early chances had been taken.

They were also kept at bay by a good performance from the visitors’ keeper Will Justin, who brought off several fine saves.

The game opened in the first minute with an excellent run by Ed Butcher down the left flank with a first time cross into the box only for Sam Clark’s shot to go over the bar from close range.

Minutes later, a further chance fell to Clark with his shot saved.

On 25 minutes, a further good cross by Butcher from a corner found Mark Scott in position to power in a header with the visitors’ keeper managing to push the ball away for a corner.

From Butcher’s cross into the box, Nathan Warren’s shot was well saved by keeper Justin but the ball fell away to find Sam Spurway in position to score for Chard from close range.

Just on half time, Ashton & Backwell put together their first real attack with Jason Hutchings saving the effort.

In the second half, Chard opened with several free kicks awarded but these could not produce an addition to the first-half goal.

Against the run of play, Ashton & Backwell equalised on the hour when, following a free kick, Calum Biggins was on hand to score with a first-time shot into the top corner of the net.

In an effort to force a winner, Chard set up several attacking moves with Nathan Warren’s shot over the bar and a free-kick by Sam Clark into the keeper’s hands.

Chard – Jason Hutchings, George Chlopecki, Darren Hutchings, Nathan Warren, Mark Scott, Jamie Underwood, Ben Haines ( for Adam Tovey 72 mins) Mark Armstrong, Sam Clark, Sam Spurway, Ed Butcher (for Jamie Barfoot 77mins) Gary Warren & Adam Fricker not used.

l Following last (Tuesday) night’s home fixture against Bradford Town, Chard Town are at Wincanton Town on Good Friday (ko 3pm).

They are home on Easter Monday (April 21) to Shepton Mallet (ko 1.30pm). The Reserves entertain Thorverton on Saturday (3pm).