Chard Ladies raised the bar again this week with an impressive performance against Winscombe. From their first push-back they moved as a unit, passing well to advance quickly down the pitch and put pressure on the Winscombe defence. A moment’s hesitation led to a break from Winscombe, who took the first goal.

From then onwards disciplined man-marking enabled the Chard side to maintain possession and forced a series of errors from Winscombe. Taking advantage of this in the latter part of the first half, Natalie Wainwright led a charge down the right wing, opening up space for a solid cross to Georgia Caird, who was perfectly placed to strike at goal and end Chard’s run of goalless games.

With new-found confidence the mid-field pushed up to a more attacking position. Powering forward, Lou Wrightson quickly took a second goal to put Chard briefly in the lead. Despite a notable clearance from the goal line by Keira Pound, Winscombe were relentless and equalised before the half-time whistle.

Chard’s good form continued in the second half but neither side could make much of the short corners awarded to them. Guest goalkeeper, Sue Stoker, put in a stunning performance but the combined efforts of the defensive line were not enough to prevent a final match-winning goal on the back of a Winscombe break.

Chard votes for Player of the Match were tied for Cassie Newland and Lou Wrightson.

Thanks go to match sponsor Beviss and Beckingsale Solicitors.