Perry Street Spring Series 2020-21

Chard Utd Reserves 1 Uplymes Reserves 2

FEELING great to be back in action, Uplyme Reserves travelled to Jocelyn Park with probably one of their youngest ever squads.

Following a minute silence to commemorate the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, the game kicked off with Uplyme playing the first half down the slope. The Swallows started brightly, with lots of possession football orchestrated by Alex Pennington and Marcus Symonds in midfield.

Rhys Hulbert in goal and a changed back four of Nate Gillan, Jamie Pullinger, Jack and Tom Fitzgerald comfortably dealt with any Chard threat. Uplyme created plenty of chances and Guy Bryant was unlucky to have a great finish ruled out for a very tight offside.

Ollie Alner's delivery from corners was causing Chard problems and Pulling was unfortunate to see a bullet-header go slightly wide.

Within minutes of the restart Uplyme were on the back foot, caught out by a speculative shot from the edge of the box that looped in.

Rather than press their advantage, Chard sat back and the pattern of the first half resumed, with Uplyme dominating. Symonds eventually levelled from a free-kick hit low and accurately before adding a second with a cool slotted finish.

Uplyme's youth and fitness showed as Chard tired and they saw out the rest of the game without being troubled.

This was another great team performance against higher graded opposition. For manager Pete Blandamer the man-of-the-matcg was Marcus Symonds who troubled Chard the entire game and he deserved his brace, plus a special mention for Jamie Pullinger for an imperious display at centre-back.