CHARD Town go into Saturday’s tough away encounter in the Les Phillips Cup against Premier Division Buckland Athletic, without skipper Taoufik Ben Salem, who is serving a one match ban. 

The tie could well prove to be their hardest of the season so far, as their opponents are currently fifth in the Premier Division, having lost only three times in 17 games.

The Robins did at least get back to winning ways themselves last weekend, as goals from Max Westlake and Steve Friend (the latter in the 89th minute) gave them a 2-1 victory over Calne Town at Zembard Lane. 

Manager Paul Down was pleased to pick up three points last Saturday, feeling that "we did very well first half, but play became scrappy after the break and we struggled to put the game to bed, in the end relying on a last minute winner from substitute Steve Friend".

Dave Duarte is probably unavailable and Cian Cabell’s future is also uncertain due to a house move. On the plus side Scott Martin should be back, and

Down was hoping to add another new player to his squad this week.

The club has also announced that their Boxing Day match at Wincanton will kick off at 11.30am.