After three weeks without a game and faced with a bye in this weekend's league programme, Chard were keen to arrange a friendly fixture and ISCA kindly stepped in to provide the opposition.

As it was a friendly, Chard were able to include in midfield George Parris, home on a short break from university and Ian Waite, playing his first competitive match for several years. The game also saw Theo Pedder put in an assured performance at right back on his debut for the team.

From the outset, it was apparent Waite had lost none of his speed of thought and vision as he provided forwards Nathan Bradshaw and Alfie Baker-Pike with early chances from defence splitting passes. Parris's long reach in the tackle, willingness to chase back and calmness under pressure saw him retrieve possession on several occasions when an ISCA player looked favourite to win the ball. With Chard enjoying a clear advantage in goal scoring chances, it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 9th minute. Waite was the target at a penalty corner, the ball injected by Elliot Webb. He feigned to shoot a couple of times, giving himself time and space to fire a fierce shot into the far corner of the net.

Were it not for the acrobatics of the ISCA keeper, Chard would have been three up at halftime. A diving save kept out one effort which looked destined to find the net and followed that up with a double save at point blank range, using his helmet to frustrate Chard's forwards and keep out the follow up flick. Waite also had another shot just wide of goal and a Gary Wheaton effort also went narrowly wide.

The lead was doubled eight minutes into the second half. Another Webb penalty corner, Waite slipping a pass rather than shooting, Wheaton sweeping the ball just wide of the post but Webb being in the right place to steer it into the net. With Chard moving the ball with confidence imbued by the two goal cushion, more chances were created but kept out by the keeper's agility, Nathan Bradshaw being particularly unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet.

Chard had to contend with a sinking sun in the eyes as the match progressed, but keeper Tony Millet and the defence held firm in the face of ISCA's young forward line until the final minute when a skilful solo run saw the visitors grab a consolation goal.

Mention should also go to Paul Sainsbury for a fine performance in midfield, supporting Waite's masterclass in ball distribution.

Thanks to umpires Claire Winter and Trevor Goss.