Chard entered this week's game knowing that it was important to secure a dominant lead at the top of the table by increasing their goal difference. Fielding a slightly different attacking team than the previous few fixtures, Chard began their battle from the off.

Chard immediately noticed the difference of returning Tess Down having missed last week's game. Down controlled the middle of the pitch with Lyndsay Blackshaw and helped to facilitate attacking runs from wides Amy Goss, Emma Cridland and Kate Phillips.

With play dominating Chard's attacking half, the away side were soon awarded a short corner. Unfortunately, Chard's strike didn't find the backboard. Chard attempted a few different plays having been awarded further shorts and were finally rewarded when Blackshaw picked up the ball in the D and confidently slotted it into the goal to put Chard on the score sheet.

Chard's second goal also game from a short corner in the last ten minutes of the first half. Abbi Wheaton incepted the ball to Down who drilled it back to the post for Wheaton to knock it in behind the keeper.

Captain Hannah McGown switched up the team at half time moving to a 3,4,3 formation in the hope to facilitate the attacking play Chard desired. This tactic quickly paid off with a chip over the defender from Cridland finding usual defender come attacking midfielder for the day, Lou Wrightson, to secure Chard's third goal.

Wrightson soon secured Chard's win from a well placed position on the left post to make it 4-0.

Chard's attacking trio of Wheaton, Jess Withers and Sasha Taylor, supported by Blackshaw continued to make big demands of the Civil Service defence. Wheaton was soon rewarded with her second goal as a fast-paced run was followed with a strong ball passing between the legs of the Civil Service keeper. Wrightson's success was soon put on hold however as confusion from the umpire over short corner positioning saw Chard's second green card in two games.

Despite continued attempts, Chard struggled to maintain their attacking dominance in the game allowing Civil Service several chances on goal. Reduced down to a backline of three, this forced Chard's defence to pull out some well executed tackles. Back from a recent pregnancy, centre-back EJ Hines portrayed her dominance across this level of hockey running rings around any attacks. A succession of short corners from Civil Service forced McGown to make some saves but reactive hockey from defender Natalie Slade ensured the ball was cleared quickly leaving the Taunton side frustratingly with no goals for their efforts.

Chard's main rival for the league title, White Eagles 2, secured a 7-0 victory this week leaving Chard with the knowledge that they are hot on Chard's heels.

Thanks to match sponsor Brecknell Willis & Co Limited.

Player of the Match - Lou Wrightson

Squad: Hannah McGown (c), Misha Taylor, EJ Hines, Natalie Slade, Lorraine Szczepanksi, Lyndsay Blackshaw, Tess Down, Amy Goss, Emma Cridland, Kate Phillips, Jess Withers, Abbi Wheaton and Sasha Taylor.