CHARD Town kick off their Toolstation Western League First Division campaign at home to Warminster on Saturday, August 5.

The match at Zembard Lane (ko 3pm) is followed by another home match, against Wincanton Town, on Wednesday, August 9 (ko 7.30pm).

The full list of fixtures can be found here.

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CHARD Town’s pre-season is well underway, and the team have two home friendlies this week.

On Friday night (July 21) they entertain Dorset Premier league side Mere Town, and they follow that up on Tuesday (July 25) by welcoming Staplegrove, who play in the Somerset County League Premier (both ko 7.30pm).

During the past week, Chard played two friendlies, beating Ilminster 5-2 away and then losing 2-1 to Shaftesbury due to a last-minute goal.

Against Ilminster at the Archie Gooch Pavilion on Wednesday, the Robins raced into a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes, thanks to two penalties by Max Westlake and a header from Benjani.

Benjani added a fourth after the break with a deflected effort, but the Blues upped their game pulled two back through Taylor Jefferson and Brad Pitman from long range.

Chard had the last laugh though, as debutants Liam Cleal and Elliot Bevis linked well and the latter slotted home.

Chard & Ilminster News:

CONTEST: Ilminster's Stu Richards (left) and Chard's Liam Cleal in action last week. Pic: Ash Magill

The Robins then hosted Wessex Premier League side Shaftesbury on Saturday, edging a goalless first half.

Malachi Benjamin gave the away side the lead from a corner, but on 75 minutes Stephen Friend headed in a James Boyland cross to level.

Just when a draw looked certain, Shaftesbury constructed a well-worked move and Lee Gale netted the winner.

Chard boss Paul Down said both friendlies had been good workouts.

Against a strong Shaftesbury side Down was pleased with the game management and application, and said: “It was encouraging how many chances we created against Step 5 opposition.

“The one disappointment was that we didn’t finish better, but this will come with more game time.”

Down has retained all of last season’s squad, apart from Jake Wolfe, and has added Ben Haines, who has rejoined from Bridport, and Liam Cleal, who has returned from Axminster.

Down said: “I’m delighted that both local lads have rejoined us and they are good additions; I hope to sign one more new face before the season starts.”