Toolstation Western League
First Division
Wincanton Town 3, Chard Town 3

EASTER Monday brought an away trip to Wincanton Town, and a 10-man Chard side showed great character to claim a 3-3 draw.

An explosive start to the match saw the visitors go ahead in the second minute, Liam Cleal scoring after a goalmouth scramble.

But the lead only lasted three minutes, as Toby Cole drove through the defence to level.

The hosts then went ahead on 16 minutes, James Irwin scoring with a first-time strike.

Andrew Holmes hit the crossbar with an overhead kick, but then on 30 minutes Nathan Warren was shown red for a tackle the referee deemed a sending-off offence.

Undeterred, Chard made it 2-2 in the 34th minute, Sam Smith netting from close range.

Wincanton were back ahead four minutes after that, Cole with his second.

Steve Friend and James Boyland were introduced after the break, and on 57 minutes a pinpoint Max Westlake cross found Ryan Parris, who rose to head the ball home.

The game continued to be end-to-end, but neither side could find a winner.

Chard: Scott Wells-Burr, Thomas Salter, Oliver Pearson, Andrew Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Ben Haines, Max Westlake, Sam Smith (Steve Friend 50), Ryan Parris, Nathan Warren, Liam Cleal (James Boyland 50). Sub not used: Ryan Mason.

Sixth in the First Division table, Chard round off their league campaign this Saturday, with a trip to 11th-placed Devizes Town (ko 3pm).

Apart from the injured Joe Smith, Chard, with Elliot Dyer back, should have a full squad available for the Devizes trip.

Tomorrow (ko 6.30pm), Chard Reserves visit Upottery in the semi-final of the Seaton Challenge Cup, looking to retain the trophy.