Les Phillips Cup
Buckland Athletic 5, Chard Town 2

CHARD Town went out of the Les Phillips Cup at Buckland Athletic after a 5-2 loss, but they battled well against their Premier Division opponents to reduce the scoreline with two well-deserved late goals.

The hosts put out an experienced side who played some quality football throughout the game but to their credit Chard did not give up the cause and put together a spirited performance.

With captain Ben-Salem missing due to a one match suspension, Chard included new midfield signing

Andrew Holmes in the starting line-up and the early play saw Chard unlucky with a chance minutes into the game, a good effort from James Boyland going just wide.

Buckland Athletic then stepped up a gear, winning a corner and Gavin Hammon shooting wide.

Following this pressure the first goal came on 20 minutes when Hammon put through Jared Lewington, who made no mistake with a crisp shot.

Buckland Athletic continued to play some close football using their wings to open up the Chard defence and a second goal came from Lewington on 33 minutes.

And his hat-trick came minutes after, to put the home side in a comfortable position at three goals up.

Just on half time an effort from James Boyland glanced off the post, but Buckland went into the break in command.

The fourth goal came for Buckland Athletic immediately into the second half when full-back Cliff Walters scored, and Hammon made it 5-0 with an unstoppable shot on 70 minutes following some skilful play from substitute Charlie Johansen.

Chard’s keeper Jonathan Hill pulled off several good saves, and then with the introduction of the three substitutes Chard put together several good moves, with Scott Jakeman showing some excellent touches and close passing through the middle.

This saw Chard score a deserved goal, coming from a well-judged shot by Max Westlake on 80 minutes.

Three minutes later Scott Martin hit a first-time shot for Chard’s second goal, and a great effort from Jakeman on the final whistle was well saved by home keeper Grant Fisher.

Chard: Jonathan Hill, Patrick Golden, Luke Jackson, Shaun Wells-Burr, Keiran Bailey, Andrew Holmes, Max Westlake, Matthew Howell (Ryan Mason 75), Stephen Friend (Scott Jakeman 68), Bradley Miles, James Boyland (Scott Martin 68).