Uhlsport Somerset County League
Premier Division
Nailsea & Tickenham 8, Chard Town 0

CHARD Town went into Saturday’s game with a rearranged side due to player unavailability and the continuing list of injuries which now includes captain Ryan Parris, who has picked up a hamstring strain.

Nailsea & Tickenham, a strong physical side with a number of experienced players, immediately took advantage in the first minute of the game, as Josh Benjamin crossed for Jack Last to open the scoring.

Chard did create several chances, with good work by James Boyland, but the Robins could could not break through.

Then, on 29 minutes, following a save by Chard goalkeeper Owen Searle, Chris Gale powered in a long-range strike to make it 2-0.

The second half saw Nailsea & Tickenham, with a stiff breeze behind them, take advantage of the situation to add a third goal on 47 minutes through Joe Berry, which opened up the floodgates.

Five more goals followed - Berry completing his hat-trick, Luke Osgood adding two and James Seeley also scoring in what was Chard’s heaviest defeat for a number of years.

Chard Town: Owen Searle, Billy Sheahan, Jake Board, Alex Harper, Conor Richardson, Josh Gracie, Thomas Stephens-Fouracre, Josh Lukins (Ryan Lewis 60), Marky Jones (Sam Parker 80), James Boyland, Liam Cleal. Sub not used: Ryan Parris.

Chard manager Mark Parris was obviously disappointed with the way his team caved in after being competitive in the first half at Nailsea & Tickenham.

He felt that Nailsea & Tickenham, who finished second last year and have the same squad, would hold their own in the Western League.

He said: “Once again we conceded early their second was a long range screamer for 2-0 at half time; all the while James Boyland and Marky Jones looked lively up front, but again we conceded early second half and fell away.”

Chard are back at Zembard Lane this coming Saturday for the first time in eight weeks, and are involved in a big ‘six-pointer’ at the foot of the table as they entertain Clutton (3pm).

The Robins are at home again next Wednesday night (December 18, 7.30pm), when Westfield are the visitors.

Chard hope to have Adam Cole’s international clearance through, after his spell in Australia.

As for Chard Reserves, they visit Crediton Reserves on Saturday, in the Macron Devon & Exeter League (3pm).