Bottom of the table Mid Somerset fielded a team significantly different and substantially stronger to that which Chard beat 4-0 at Wells three weeks ago. By pure coincidence, the visitors' 1st Team which plays in the same division as Chard 1st XI appeared to have no fixture this weekend. With absences due to half term holidays, Chard were missing five regular squad members.

Mid Somerset looked dangerous on the attack from early on but Chard held firm until the 19th minute when a well worked one two between forwards carved open the defence to set up a shot which Luke Bradshaw was powerless to keep out. After the visitors went close to extending their lead with a flick shot from a tight angle, Chard raised their game for the rest of the half. More of the play was concentrated in the Mid Somerset half but, faced with physical defending and some robust tackling, clear scoring chances were hard to come by.

Chard were two down 5 minutes into the second half but still probing for a way back into the game only to be punished for two half cleared penalty corners within 6 minutes of oneanother midway through the half, the individual skills of Mid Somerset's number 88 enabling him to create space and fire home when the loose ball fell to him. Despite this, Chard were competitive to the end and a consolation goal would not have flattered their efforts, but it was not to be. The teams can expect to meet again next season when it will be interesting to see what side Mid Somerset field on a day when their Firsts also have a fixture.

Thanks to Trevor Goss and Claire Winter for umpiring.