Chard come from behind to defeat Bristol & West

On a cold, crisp, Chard afternoon the team arrived at "The Sand Pit" to face up to Brizzle & Wezt full of determination and grit after last week's agonising draw against Bridgwater.

The formation was set to soak up defensive pressure to then explode on the counter attack with hard passing and plenty of pace.

The first 15 minutes was incredibly one sided with the Green and White quarters creating lots of chances, through quick sharp passing and accurate crossing, only for Chard not to convert. In spite of the frustration Chard stuck the game plan causing Bristol a torrid time in defence.

Against the run of play the home side converted a scrappy open play opportunity, despite the goal keepers heroics of a double save, to take the lead.

At 1-0 down heading into half time Chard remained calm and were soothed by the skipper to continue playing this well structured hockey into the second half on the promise goals will come.

He wasn't wrong. The second half started as fast tempoed as the first.

Shortly into the half Chard converted a short Corner with a neat finish at the near post by Fraser Lewis.

Chard continued to thrive with Dan Batten picking up a loose ball followed by a 1-2 with Barnaby Lewis with a sliding reverse stick finish into the bottom corner from the P spot.

Moments later the goal mouth saw another sliding reverse stick finish with Harvey Lupton adding his own fireworks to the game.

At 3-1 up Chard looked comfortable and dominant.

Bristol & West converted only their 2nd Short Corner despite the efforts of Danny Grabham who put stick and body behind the ball only for the ball to take an unlucky deflection (shoulder) into net.

The final whistle was blown with a Short Corner awarded. With everyone on the perimeter of the D a slick injection came in. Picked up by Nathan Johnson who neatly tiptoed and pirouetted around 2 players to calmly slot the ball past the keeper for a resounding 4-2 win.

Chard will go into next weekend with a renewed confidence and playing style hunting out another win before the Great Secret Santa unveil.