CHARD Town have a vital home Western League Division 1 clash with Radstock Town on Saturday at 3pm.

The sides drew 1-1 when they met at Radstock on the opening day of the season. The Miners are currently in eighth spot and four points better off than Chard, as both sides reach the halfway mark in the season.

Manager Paul Down added experienced central defender Andy Holmes (29) to his squad this past week.

The 6ft 2in Holmes has been with Wincanton Town for the past five seasons, making 38 appearances last term, and works as a sports lecturer at Yeovil College, and has recently moved to live in Ilminster.

Down previously worked with Holmes during his stint as manager of Wincanton.

Down felt that Chard bowed out of the Les Phillips Cup at Buckland Athletic last Saturday, "with our heads held high, as the players gave their all for 90 minutes, against high class opponents".

“Andy Holmes had a fine debut and Scott Jakeman caught the eye coming off the bench midway through the second half,” he said, adding: “There were also good finishes from Scott Martin and Max Westlake.

“The Radstock game will be another close affair, although we have improved as a squad since the opening day draw.”

Skipper Taoufik Ben Salem, returning from suspension, Dave Duarte and Jack Dicker will be added to the squad, but Jakeman and Ryan Mason are unavailable.