Chard knew this was likely to be a tough fixture against a side looking top bounce straight back from relegation last season. Within the first 5 minutes that anticipation was fulfilled as the home side went ahead having won a string of penalty corners, a fierce shot into the left hand side of the net dipping to hit the top of the back board.

Bridgwater doubled their lead within the first quarter of an hour. Their right winger miscued an attempted cross but was quickest to the loose ball and fired in an angled shot which surprised keeper Luke Bradshaw, squeezing between his pads and over the line. It was the only mistake Chard's Man of the Match would make on a very busy afternoon.

Just as Chard looked to be establishing some equilibrium, the home side pounced for a third goal, a pass into the D from a central position being deftly deflected first time wide of Bradshaw giving him no time to react.

Chard's best chance of reducing the deficit came in the final 5 minutes of the first half, a fine weaving run by George Criddle setting up an opportunity for first Paul Sainsbury in front of goal and then Joel Handscombe at the far post, but Bridgwater's keeper made saves to deny them both.

Chard avoided conceding any further goals in the early stages of the second half and began to enjoy a better share of the game, while still posing little threat in their opponents' D. However, as the half went on, Bridgwater picked up the pace again, creating further chances both from open play and from numerous penalty corners. That they were restricted to just one more goal, a shot deflected in off Arthur Handley's stick, was due to gritty defence combined with the reflex skills and bravery of diminutive Bradshaw.

Chard belatedly put greater pressure on the home end, the dribbling skills of Criddle and Handscombe providing the best openings and the most discomfort to Bridgwater's defence backed up by the ever willing support of George Parris at centre half, but a consolation goal proved elusive.