Yeovil and Sherborne 1 Chard 3rds 4

Chard began last season with a 4-1 win against local rivals Yeovil and had a sense of deja vu as they repeated the same scoreline in a performance built on a blend of youth and experience. Chard took the lead from a counter attacking move confidently finished by Gareth Eggle.

Minutes later, a flowing passing move the length of the pitch resulted in Eggle hitting the post and Reuben Willis forcing the rebound goalwards and Jasper Clements applying the final touch. Chard were looking reasonably solid at the back, although keeper Tony Millett made some excellent interventions on those few occasions the home side forwards unleashed the shackles of Harry Criddle, Tom Eames and Callum Gilbert.

Chard were 3-0 up at half time after an interception and threaded pass by Goss allowed Christian Cullum to strike form the top of the D.

The second half was more of an anti climax although the tireless work of Goddard, Wadey and George Criddle in midfield always meant Chard had a firm grip on the game. Yeovil eventually pulled a goal back from a short corner flick, but Chard responded in style when Tom Sainsbury followed in another Eggle cross and the ball bounced out to Oscar Wadey to score a debut goal.

Man of the match was Jasper Clements whose wing play tormented the aging Yeovil defenders throughout the game. This was a very promising performance to start the season, and with the plethora of good young players coming through bodes well for the future of the club.

Team: Tony MIllett, Trevor Goss, Tom Eames, Harry Criddle, Callum Gilbert, Oscar Wadey, George Criddle, Jason Goddard, Rich Jones, Jasper Clements, Gareth Eggle, Tom Sainsbury, Reuben Willis, Christian Callum.