Toolstation Western League
First Division
Chard Town 1, Welton Rovers 1

PROMOTION contenders Chard Town had a crucial midweek home match, and an opportunity to make up points on second place Keynsham, against mid-table Welton Rovers, who visited off the back of a 3-0 home defeat to Cheddar, writes Alfie House.

However, the Robins were held to a 1-1 draw by their visitors from Mid Somerset on Wednesday night at Zembard Lane, despite establishing a lead before half time.

Welton acquitted themselves well but Chard nevertheless had a lot of the early chances.

The breakthrough came on the 39th minute, after a lovely through pass onto the left foot of Christian Blango saw him slide the ball past the advancing Welton keeper with precision, to give the Robins the advantage with his second goal in two games.

The visitors slowly began to take control of the second period, though, and on 68 minutes they were awarded a penalty.

The spot-kick was firmly put beyond the reach of Scott Wells-Burr by Chris Pile, probably the most impressive player on the pitch.

The winner wouldn’t come for either side, although Pile was unlucky after a terrific run through the Chard defence, his shot grazing the bar.

Chard Town: Scott Wells-Burr, Elliot Dyer, Ben Haines, Ryan Parris, Kieran Bailey, Matt Howell (Sam Smith 84), Max Westlake, Nathan Warren, Dan Collins, Christian Blango (Steve Friend 82), Liam Cleal. Sub not used: Brad Loaring.

The result leaves Chard sitting in third place on 49 points, four behind second-placed Keynsham Town.

Cheddar top the league on 56 points, and with two games in hand they will be a challenge to catch.

In their upcoming league games, the Robins will play host to 16th-placed Sherborne Town, who haven’t claimed a victory since October, tomorrow (Saturday) before travelling to Wells City the following weekend.