Toolstation Western League
First Division
Chard Town 3, Longwell Green Sports 0

AN emphatic win for the Robins on Saturday against their Bristol opponents, who were relegated from the Premier Division last season, was a highly satisfactory start for Chard's new management team.

Indeed, during the first half the visitors were overwhelmed by the movement and effective approach work of the hosts and only achieved their first attempt on goal virtually on the half-time whistle.

The Robins had the advantage of a sound defence who were at the club last season plus Elliot Dyer, signed from Axminster, who wore Chard's colours prior to his move over the Devon border.

What was particularly impressive, too, was the way in which the new players, Sam Smith and Tom Salter, fitted semlessly into the team.

In the early stages Salter almost snapped up a couple of chances and Steve Friend also showed intent by firing over the bar.

On 24 minutes the Robins deservedly edged in front when Andrew Holmes found himself at the far post and slotted the ball home.

Chard were totally dominant and it was no surprise when they increased the lead on 36 minutes, as Holmes' trademark long throw was headed in off the crossbar by Kieran Bailey.

Then, after a further six minutes, it was goal number three from the penalty spot after Liam Cleal was brought down - Friend duly lashed the ball into the net.

With the visitors now using the slope to their advantage after the break the match turned somewhat into a game of two halves.

Chard still created plenty of chances and a fine effort by Friend might have led to a fourth goal in the early part of the second half.

Gradually, however, the visitors began to move the ball well and with more incisiveness in the box may have given the Chard defence a tougher time than they experienced.

At the other end Salter, Cleal, Max Westlake and Friend, again, saw efforts come to nothing.

Towards the end of the game Longwell Green should have reduced the arrears when Adam Young failed to find the target from very close range, and substitute Liam Oswin was unlucky when his fierce strike was met by Scott Wells-Burr's excellent reaction save in the dying minutes.

Chard Town: Scott Wells-Burr, Elliot Dyer, Ben Haines, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Matt Howell (Ryan Parris 70 mins), Max Westlake, Sam Smith, Steve Friend (Jacob Manley 70 mins), Liam Cleal, Tom Salter (Thomas Hargreave 90 mins). Sub not used: Ryan Mason.

This Wednesday (August 8, ko 7.30pm) sees Chard travel to Sherborne Town - manager Jamie Manley returning to his old club.