ON A night of raw emotion, the tangerines produced the goods on the field of play to stretch their unbeaten run to 13 games and move to second in Division 1.

A minute's applause preceded the game, by officials, players, and spectators in memory of teammate Lloyd Manning.

The game started at a frantic pace with both teams looking to take the initiative. Tangerines' recently turned 17-year-old keeper Tom Hyam was impeccable with his handling as the visitors knocked at the door with balls into the box.

Focused and committed a succession of neat attacks were built, especially from the left flank where Jordan Sellick was involved with neat feet and pace, ironically it was the right flank where the opening goal was created, when energetic attacking midfielder Dom Healey winning the ball to feed Striker Luke Perry, to square the ball inside the box to strike partner Rohan Poulsom to calmly place past the oncoming keeper on 12 minutes.

A high ball in from Sellick on 25 minutes initially eluded both Rohan and the oncoming Connor Noble, which was then recycled into the path of Rohan to turn and roll into the net from 10 yards.

The skys opened with a deluge of rain and thunder echoing around the playing field, with the playing surface now rapidly deteriorating.

Chard endeavoured for a repost, but found the back line of Will Armstrong, Tom Davies and Captain Mark Owen standing firm. Playing up the slope for the second half made for a more challenging task, with underfoot conditions in rapid decline. Ned Ogilvie was introduced on 55 minutes replacing the spent Clay Westcott in central midfield, followed by Logan Sellick for Wes Poulsom.

Aaron Hawkings, Jamie Fleet replaced the injured Healey and Noble respectively, as the game was played out by two well matched teams.

Many thanks to Manager, Danny Cleal and his Chard Town Reserves team for their kind donation to CALM. TeamTom Hyam, Mark Owen, Tom Davies, Will Armstrong, Connor Noble, Clay Westcott, Dom Healey, Wes Poulsom, Jordan Sellick, Luke Perry, Rohan  Poulsom. Replacements Ned Ogilvie, Logan Sellick, Aaron Hawkings, Jamie Fleet, (All used) Dylan Groves (Unused).

Man of the match awarded by the 2nd match official, Martin Baldock to Rohan.

Match sponsors The Manning Family & R I Leyman Plumbing & Heating

Next game: Saturday 25th March, Newton away.

Report: Nick Buttle