Chard Ladies 1s travelled to Sidmouth Leisure Centre to face Sidmouth & Ottery 3s, knowing a win would put them in a strong position at the top of the table — and they delivered in style with a convincing 4–0 victory. With other league results also going Chard’s way, the win officially seals the league title for Chard Ladies 1s.

Sidmouth worked tirelessly throughout the game to keep Chard’s attacking threat at bay, but Chard applied early pressure with some excellent passing and movement. Their breakthrough came when Katie Fear delivered a well-placed cross into the circle where Kerryn Mullis was waiting on the post to calmly slot the ball into the goal.

Chard soon doubled their lead with a well-executed short corner routine. The injection and set-up allowed Lois Butcher to unleash a perfect strike that thundered into the backboard.

Sidmouth pushed hard before half-time and forced Chard’s defence into action. A great save from Hattie Thorne, combined with solid defensive work from EJ Hines, Lois Butcher, Ruby Parris and Jade Dunning, ensured Sidmouth were unable to find a way through.

The first half ended 2–0 to Chard.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chard moving the ball around the pitch beautifully and controlling much of the play.

Chard extended their lead with another slick short corner routine. Lois Butcher slipped the ball to Amy Goss, who delivered a cross to Layla Anderson, who was perfectly positioned to push the ball into the back of the net.

In midfield, Lauren Struszczak and the Taylor sisters dominated proceedings, calmly distributing the ball across the pitch and keeping Chard on the front foot.

Chard’s fourth and final goal came when Summer Solman delivered a cross into the D. Layla Anderson collected the ball, neatly pulled it around the goalkeeper and finished confidently to seal the win.

With other results in the league falling in Chard’s favour later in the day, the victory officially confirms Chard Ladies 1s as league champions — a fantastic achievement for the team after a dominant season.

Player of the Match was awarded to Lois Butcher for a superb defensive performance, capped off with an outstanding goal.

Meanwhile, Dick of the Day once again went to Coach Trevor, whose enthusiastic side line heckling managed to annoy both teams equally. ??