CHARD Town travel to near-neighbours Ilminster Town for the sides’ opening pre-season friendly on July 12.

The Robins have lined up four additional friendlies, including a match at home to Western League Premier side Bridgwater Town.

Their fixtures are as follows:
Ilminster Town (A) (Wednesday, July 12, ko 6.45pm)
Shaftesbury (H) (Saturday, July 15, ko 3pm)
Mere Town (H) (Friday, July 21, ko 7.30pm)
Staplegrove (H) (Tuesday, July 25, 7.30pm)
Bridgwater Town (H) (Saturday, July 29, 3pm)

Chard have also been included in the draw for the Les Phillips Cup preliminary round and first round.

In the preliminary round, Chard will play away at Roman Glass St George, with the winner at Cadbury Heath or Bishop Sutton in the first round.

The Robins begin their pre-season training this Thursday at 7pm.

Initially training will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays (from 7pm) at Zembard Lane.

Manager Paul Down invites all of last season’s players to attend, as well as any new players who would like to try Western League football.

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ZEMBARD Lane will host a 5-a-side adult football tournament (for men and women, in separate competitions) on Saturday, July 22.

The event starts at 10am, with a barbecue and bar open all day, and referees and match balls provided.

There will be four pitches, with a selection of prizes to be won.

The entry fee is £20 per team, and for more information/to enter, you can contact Luke Jackson on 07769171528 or email luke.jackson@ecfc.co.uk.

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CHARD Town have also announced the re-forming (after a year’s lapse) of a reserve side, under the direction of manager Ivor Hutchings.

The side will play in Division 1 of the Devon & Exeter League, it was agreed at last Friday’s league AGM.

In a 15-team strong division, Chard will play against six other reserve sides and have local derbies against Wellington, Colyton, Lyme Regis and Perry Street.

Hutchings is well known in local football circles, having been at Combe St Nicholas for the past 44 years as a player, manager and chairman.

He led Combe during their most successful time in the 1990s, winning most local honours, before joining the Somerset County League and helping to get Combe established at that level, in six years as chairman/manager.

Two of his sons, Darren and Jason, have both played for Chard at Western League standard, with goalkeeper Jason currently first choice at Bridport, under Adam Fricker.

Commenting on the appointment, Hutchings said: “I see it as a challenge for myself and to support Paul Down and the first team, while pushing the reserves to play at a higher level.

“I’m looking for a mix of experience and youth, in particular young players who can step up to the challenge and enjoy their football, with a chance to play in the Western League.”

Hutchings was involved with Chard youth some 20 years ago, including the reforming of the Under-18s.

Those interested in the reserves side can attend the Robins’ pre-season training from Thursday (7pm, at Zembard Lane).

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ILMINSTER Town have announed the following friendly matches, as they prepare for life back in the Somerset County Premier League:
Chard Town (H) (Wednesday, July 12)
Bridport (A) (Saturday, July 15)
Bishops Lydeard (H) (Friday, July 21)
Axminster Town (A) (Tuesday, July 25)
Westland Sports (H) (Tuesday, August 1)
Gillingham Town (A) (Saturday, August 5)

The Blues’ pre-season training starts on Wednesday, July 5 (6.30pm).