Uhlsport Somerset County League
Premier Division
Chard Town 2, Middlezoy Rovers 4

CHARD Town remain without a point this season, after two second-half goals condemned them to defeat at home to Middlezoy Rovers on Saturday.

Both sides had lost their opening two Premier Division matches, but it was the Robins who made the fast start playing down the Zembard Lane slope in the first half.

Just four minutes had elapsed when James Boyland cut in from the right, beat three players and placed the ball in the top corner - a fantastic individual effort.

Two headed goals from corners followed; Jake Horsey equalised from Ian Bellinger’s delivery, before Sam Spurway put Chard ahead again, from a Liam Cleal set-piece on the half-hour.

The hosts then lost Cleal and Nathan Finn to injuries, however, and they were pegged back at 2-2 at half-time, as Charlie Lintell nodded in from a Bellinger free-kick.

Bellinger was causing Chard problems every time he was on the ball, but it was a mistake which allowed Middlezoy to take the lead - Scott Wells-Burr under-hit a backpass and Jed Williams pounced.

Boyland came close at the other end, again cutting in but this time curling just wide, and the visitors scored a decisive fourth goal on 65 minutes.

A penalty was awarded, and Bellinger calmly slotted home to take the wind out of the Robins’ sails.

Chard Town: Owen Searle, Daniel Collins, Nathan Finn, Scott Wells-Burr, Ryan Mason, Owen Dodd, Matthew Howell, Jake Board, Liam Cleal, James Boyland, Sam Spurway. Subs: Billy Sheahan, Daniel O’Connor, Matthew Crabb.

It had been an entertaining game but defensive issues continue to cost Chard, who travel to Worle (two wins and one draw so far) this coming Saturday (3pm).