Toolstation Western League First Division
Chard Town 0, Devizes Town 3

WITH the dismissal of Chard keeper Jon Hill on 20 minutes, the whole outcome of this match changed, leading to the Robins losing their unbeaten run of six games since mid-February, writes Mike Froom.

Chard had the majority of the early attacking play with a shot from a corner after three minutes hitting the goalpost, followed by a first-time strike from Brad Miles which hit the side-netting on 19 minutes. 

From their first attack a minute later,the visitors were in a wide position on the left flank and, with Chard’s keeper coming out of the area, the referee adjudged him to have committed a foul on the Devizes forward and issued a straight red card.

After a delay due to a discussion between the officials, the ensuing free-kick by Devizes No 9 Robert Whyte was well over the bar.

Chard pushed forward and had the ball in the net on 28 minutes from a good move but the effort was ruled out for offside.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Devizes went a goal up when Jamie Wallen scored direct from a free-kick with stand-in keeper Steve Friend unsighted.

The second half saw Chard have most of the attacking play with a number of free-kicks and moves into the visitors’ half but they could not break down the tight Devizes defence.

With Chard pushing forward and down to 10 men, Devizes broke away and a second goal came for Jamie Wallen on 65 minutes when he scored following a swift move into the hosts’ half.

Shortly after, an effort by James Boyland was just over the bar but, with 20 minutes remaining, the result was settled for Devizes with a third goal when Jordon Matthews scored with a strike direct from a free-kick which went in off the inside of the post.

Chard: Jonathan Hill, David Duarte, Ryan Mason, Andy Holmes, Kieran Bailey, Luke Jackson for (Jake Wolfe 78mins), Max Westlake for (Scott Jakeman 72mins), Matthew Howell (for Jack Dicker 78mins), James Boyland, Stephen Friend, Bradley Miles. Subs (not used): Shaun Wells-Burr, Patrick Golden.