Millwey Rise first team moved back to the top of the Perry Street and District Division One with a comfortable 4-1 home success over Chard United, writes Derek Sturch.

They were boosted by an early goal from Keith Forsey and went on to dominate the first half playing some crisp flowing football. It was no surprise when the lead was doubled with Sam Dibling the scorer, and the only thing lacking in a near perfect first 45 minute display was a larger goal count!

After the break the visitors came back strongly and, after a goalmouth scramble, halved the deficit. With Millwey’s performance nowhere near the standard of the first half, Chard went in search of a second, but a superb individual effort from Dibling restored the two goal lead and gave the home sided new confidence.

Chard were always in the contest though and spurned a glorious chance late on. Had that gone in then Millwey Rise might have suffered a nervous last few minutes. With time running out the home side scored a fourth. Keith Forsey saw his penalty kept out by the visiting gloves man only for the ball to fall to the predatory Nathan Wormsley who blasted it past the helpless keeper to complete the scoring.

For Millwey Rise Hayden Lewis and Stuart King held the defence together blunting Chard’s many second half attacks while Sam Dibling and Nathan Wormsley were both tireless with their contributions and the so the Rise supporters and the ‘Tea Hut terrace’ members, went home happy.

On Saturday Millwey Rise travel to Mid Devon to face Kentisbeare in a Devon Intermediate Cup tie (2pm).

Millwey Rise Reserves returned to the foot of Division Three after their 3-0 defeat at Chard Rangers. The bottom three teams each have six points so there remains plenty to play for the Reserves who are at home to Thorncombe Reserves on Saturday. The game at Cloakham Lawns kicks-off at 2pm.