Despite securing a fantastic victory over their Ladies 3s at the latter end of last season, Chard knew they couldn't underestimate the Taunton Vale side they were faced with this weekend.

Chard started strong from the off, determined to assert their position on the pitch, attacking the Vale D from all sides. The Vale side battled well to deny Chard a goal in the first quarter of the game, showing a strength not reflected by their current league position.

Chard ladies were firing on all cylinders, with attacks being brought from wides Abbi Wheaton and Emma Cridland and forwards Jess Withers and Kerryn Mullis. Despite the high pressure being placed on the Vale defence, Chard were struggling to make their mark on the score-line.
Chard weren't to be set back however; and central midfielder Tess Down secured the home side's first goal with a beautiful strike across D to hit the backboard at the bottom right corner. Chard's Lyndsay Blackshaw was unlucky not to join Down on the scoresheet following a string of attacking short corners but Down was quick to make up for it with a second goal, almost replay perfect to her first. The half time whistle came with Chard ahead by 2.

Chard again dominated possession, with 85% of game play being contained within their attacking half. This facilitated wide back Lorraine Szczepanksi to make several runs up the pitch. Despite finding herself in the attacking rather than defensive final quarter of the pitch, Szczepanski delivered numerous crosses into the attacking D which Chard unfortunately weren't able to convert. The attacking play also saw defenders EJ Hines and Misha Taylor enter the Vale goal, but a strong defensive position from Vale denied left Chard goalless in the second half.

Thanks to umpires Alan Cheffey and Danny Grabham and to match sponsors J B Wheaton & Son.

Chard are travelling away to Tiverton next week to face current title rivals White Eagles 2nd XI who sit six points behind Chard on the table with joint goal difference.

Squad: Hannah McGown (c), Misha Taylor, EJ Hines, Lou Wrightson, Lorraine Szczepanski, Katy Jones, Kate Phillips, Tess Down, Lynsday Blackshaw, Emma Cridland, Abbi Wheaton, Jess Withers and Kerryn Mullis.