A goal on the stroke of fulltime denied Chard a deserved point against top of the table Bridgwater, the hosts being given another close examination of their promotion credentials after they prevailed by the same scoreline as three weeks ago in the reverse fixture at Zembard Lane.

This was an even better performance by Chard's youngsters as they took early control against subdued opposition, passing the ball with confidence and putting pressure on the Bridgwater defence. When Isaac Parris and Joel Handscomb combined to set up George Criddle to score from close range, it was no more than Chard's dominance deserved.

Criddle and George Parris as joint centre halves impressed throughout the game, denying the hosts control of midfield, while Ollie Bartlett impressed again on the right flank and Blaise Marchant worked well with Elliot Webb to create plenty of attacking opportunities on the left. Arthur Handley, starting for the first time in joint centreback role grew in confidence as the game progressed, making well timed tackles and distributing the ball well.

The league leaders stirred from their slow start and equalised in a goalmouth scramble through the sheer persistence of their forward despite Alan Cheffey's and Luke Bradshaw's desperate efforts to prevent the ball crossing the line. When they took the lead shortly before halftime, this was tough on Chard but the response was immediate. Criddle deftly controlled a powerful cross from Gary Wheaton with one touch in the midst of defenders and fired past the keeper to level the scores before the break.

A hailstorm just before the game started had been replaced by clear skies and Chard found themselves playing with a setting sun in their eyes in the second half. A missed tackle in the opening moments saw a Bridgwater player through one on one with Bradshaw but his shot hit the post and Chard cleared. Beyond that, both side's defences appeared able to soak up whatever was thrown at them and goalmouth action and action for both keepers was at a premium. Criddle had the ball in the net again but he was denied his hat trick as the ball had hit his leg just before he shot.

In the dying moments, Bridgwater won a free hit just outside the Chard D. When the ball was driven in, it was collected and swept past Bradshaw in one movement, neither he or defenders having time to react. There was not even time for the ball to be returned to the halfway line before the final whistle blew.

Squad: L Bradshaw, A Cheffey, A Handley, S Mahoney, B Marchant, O Bartlett, G Criddle, G Parris, E Webb, B Berryman, I Parris, J Handscomb, G Wheaton