CHARD Town FC are looking forward to the new season with a young squad mixed with experienced players.

Jason Hutchins the manager has managed to get Tim Legg and Jamie Brown into the squad and has promised more new faces will be added soon.

One player they are desperate to find is an experienced goalkeeper after a freak injury ruled out Jason during a pre season friendly.

The first two fixtures are away at Clevedon on August 5, then Wells City during the week on August 9.

That makes two hard fixtures to start with before the first home game vof the campaign against Nailsea on August 12.

The first pre season game was away at Street FC, despite losing 2-0 at one time during the game, Chard fought back to win 2-3.

Then at home they faced Lyme Regis and after 30 minutes of the game they were already three goals to the good.

A lot of U18's made their home debut for the first team in this match and they showed their potential, eventually winning 5-2.

The next game was against Gillingham which was a tough fixture in which Chard lost 0-2.

The final game away at Beer, was another tough game where the defence held firm and after 22 minutes a great cross from Fin was met by Conor Fielder who cushioned a nice header into the net.

Seven minutes later a hopefully long ball over the top beat the defenders, as Jason rushed out he collided with their attacker, so a penalty was given. At half time it was 1-1 with Jason being unable to continue Conor Richardson went into goal.

Several chances for both sides in the second half didn’t produce any goals so it finished 1-1.

Off the pitch, the new Chairman Mark Parris is building a strong backroom committee, with most of the clubs long term sponsors renewed and some new ones have been added.

Parris said: "New sponsors are always welcome as they are vital to the successful running of the football club.

"Also we have a patrons club and a social membership scheme so you can get involved.

"Volunteers are always needed for several jobs during matchdays, if you can help contact the football club."

On September 22, the football club is hosting an Elvis Night – The Return of the King, tickets are available from Eleos Coffee Shop and Caren’s Hair Designs. You can also get them from the football club.