First Team
Matches
Sat 17 Feb 2018
Chard Town FC
First Team
0
1
Bridport FC

Match Preview

Ryan Parris13 Feb 2018 - 17:57
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.pitchero.com/clubs

The biggest crowd of the season is expected at Zembard Lane on Saturday when Chard Town entertain neighbours Bridport in the 2nd Round of the Les Phillips Cup KO 3pm.

There is added spice to the occasion with former Chard manager of 3 years, Adam Fricker and assistant Jason Behan (who both still live in the town) now in charge at Bridport and having 13 ex-Chard players on their books. One of those players, goalkeeper Jason Hutchings, is the son of Chard reserve team manager Ivor Hutchings.

In his second term at Bridport, Fricker has led them to a good financially rewarding run in the FA Cup and they are currently comfortably placed in the Western League, Premier Division. In his last year at Chard, Fricker saw his side finish in 3rd place in Division 1 and no fewer than 7 of those players are expected to feature in the Bridport starting line up. Fricker's well published reason for leaving Chard was because they were unable to enter FA competitions and not allowed to be promoted, due to the FA 'moving the goalposts' regarding the slope on the ground.

Chard boss Paul Down, now in his 2nd season, with just days left prior to the commencing of last season had only 7 players, picked up the pieces and has done a tremendous job in steering Chard to a mid table finish last season and currently lying 8th in Division 1 of the Western League. Down, with Chard's match at Welton postponed, took the opportunity to watch Bridport at Bradford in a 5-2 defeat last Saturday. He described it "as useful in preparing for our biggest game of the season on many levels. I think it is going to be important to channel emotions and aggression in the right direction. I do know that we will need to perform to our maximum to achieve any sort of result, but as we all know on any given day, cup upsets can and do happen". Matt Howell is unavailable, but everyone else should be there for Chard. Meanwhile over at Bridport boss Fricker predicts "It will certainly be a tough test against a side that are in good form and with home advantage. We will be approaching and preparing for the game exactly the same as we would any other and be looking to put in a professional performance".

Chard reserves, who have not played a league game since mid December are away to Lapford on Saturday in Division 1 of the Macron Devon & Exeter league KO 3pm.

Match details

Match date

Sat 17 Feb 2018

Kickoff

15:00
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

First Team Sponsor - RBS Scaffolding
Shirt Sponsor - A. J. Wakely & Sons