CHARD Town, who visit neighbours Bishops Lydeard on Saturday in the Toolstation Western League First Division (ko 3pm), added a new forward to their injury-hit squad last week.

The new signing is Jake Wolfe from Normalair, who has made 14 appearances for Sherborne this season, netting three goals, and has previously played for Westland Sports.

Bishops Lydeard are one of only three sides to win at Chard in the league this season, 3-2 on a sunny October morning, and they have three former Chard players - Andy Butler, Scott Holland and Nathan Whatley - in their ranks.

Bishops Lydeard are currently one place above Chard in sixth spot in the table, but have four points more, having played two games fewer, so it will be a tough test for Chard against a side beaten only once in their last eight matches.

Pat Golden and James Boyland return to the Chard squad, but Scott Jakeman (away) and Dave Duarte (work), both of whom had an excellent game on Saturday, are set to miss Saturday’s trip.

Andy Holmes came through 90 minutes on Saturday, but was in some discomfort with his shoulder injury.

Max Westlake (knee) is a concern, whilst Luke Jackson should be fine for a place on the subs bench.

Chard manager Paul Down is not sure what is happening with Taoufik Ben Salem, as he missed his flight back from Tunisia on Tuesday last week.

Down described Saturday’s win as “resounding, and good to get back on track at home”.

He went on: “It was a fantastic four-minute hat-trick from man of the match Bradley Miles plus an assist for Steve Friend.

“We led 4-0 at half time - our best half in terms of goals this season.

“The second half was more even, but it was good to see Jack Dicker getting his first goal for the club, in a good all round team performance with some excellent finishing.

“Barrington lads George Hayward and Simon Cherry, who were without a game, helped us out for the day and came off the bench in the second half.”

MEANWHILE, things get much harder for Ilminster Town in the next two weeks.

They face third-placed Street at The Archie Gooch ground on Saturday (2.30pm kick-off).

This is followed by league leaders Portishead away the following week. No doubt, these two games may define the season and, with Ilminster only three points behind Portishead and three points above Street, things are certainly looking interesting.