CHARD Town Under-18s lost 2-1 at home to Gillingham Town in the premier division of the Somerset Floodlight league on Saturday.

They failed to make use of the extra man after Gillingham had William Buckton sent off in the second half for a scything challenge on Louis Irwin and suffered the consequences.

The home side started in determined fashion and went ahead in the 16th minute when Braeden Symes ran past two defenders before crossing to Dan Anjos who slammed the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

The lead lasted just five minutes before the visitors drew level when Seth Knapp got the last touch to put the ball wide of keeper Jake Symes’ outstretched hand and into the corner of the net.

The remainder of the opening period was played at a frantic pace with both sides trying to get the upper hand but failing to break through each other’s resolute defence.

Chard came close to regaining the advantage in the 56th minute when a shot from Anjos appeared to be heading towards goal only to be stopped on the line by the gloveman’s outstretched foot before rebounding to safety.

As the second half continued, the visitors began to produce the better of the attacking moves and their persistence paid off five minutes from time when a cross from the right by Will Pike was headed home by an unmarked Reece Carteret.

This goal once again spurred the hosts into action and they saw long range efforts by Jack Male and Aaron White go narrowly wide of the mark.

In the dying seconds, Irwin came close to grabbing a dramatic equaliser, but his corner kick was cleared off the line as the final whistle blew.