IT is a big Saturday at Zembard Lane tomorrow, with Chard Town entertaining seventh-placed Corsham Town in the First Division of the Toolstation Western League (ko 3pm), writes Colin Dunford.

The match will be followed by a Sporting Dinner featuring former Liverpool full-back Alan Kennedy as guest speaker.

Chard were beaten 1-0 at Corsham in September, so are out for revenge.

Robins manager Jamie Manley – who saw his side’s match at Portishead rained off last Saturday – hopes new signing Joe Smith will feature.

Smith, 25, is the older brother of midfielder Sam Smith; Manley knew Smith from his days at Sherborne, but his career has been hampered somewhat by injuries.

Manley said: “He will add competition for the striker roles and is a good signing.”

Then, on Tuesday, February 19, Chard visit National League South side Weston-super-Mare in the quarter-finals of the Somerset Premier Cup (ko 7.45pm) – Weston are the cup holders.

On the injury front, Manley is hopeful that both Ollie Pearson (toe) and Elliot Dyer (trapped nerve in his neck) will be fit.

It is hoped that Dan Collins will be able to resume training this week but Andy Holmes is still ruled out.

Saturday’s Sporting Dinner is open to anyone who enjoys football, with guest speaker Kennedy supported by comedian Stuart Masters.

There is a three-course meal with wine and port on the table for £30 per head; it starts at 7pm, and there are only a few tickets remaining – contact Vic Holland (07495442216) for details.

Chard Reserves have a re-arranged game away to Wellington Reserves tomorrow in Division 1 of the Macron Devon & Exeter League (ko 3pm).

***

ILMINSTER Town were beaten by the weather yet again last weekend, as their Somerset County League Premier Division match at Wrington Redhill was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch in North Somerset.

Tomorrow should bring a good test for the Blues, as high-flyers Nailsea & Tickenham – unbeaten in their last 10 matches – visit the Archie Gooch Pavilion (ko 2.30pm).

Nailsea played away to Westfield last Saturday and a 1-0 win took them up from third into top spot.

Ilminster Town Ladies were also without a match last weekend; this Sunday they travel to Torquay United Ladies in the Premier Division of the South West Women’s League (ko 2pm).

In the Somerset Women’s League, Ilminster Town Reserves go to Purnell Sports and Combe entertain Pen Mill Reserves on Sunday (both ko 2pm).