WATCHET Town failed to keep their destiny in their own hands when a third heavy away defeat in a row saw them go down 5-1 at Chard in their last game of the season in the Premier Division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League.

The Red & Blacks are now left hoping Worle don’t pick up the four points they need from their final two matches later in the month which would mean relegation for Watchet to Division One.

After a fairly even opening half hour some sloppy defending saw Watchet concede two avoidable goals at Chard before they were given a lifeline prior to the interval when they were awarded a penalty for a handling offence which Olly Prescott calmly converted after lengthy Chard protests.

Vinnie Jones made a fine full length save to keep it 2-1 but Watchet were unable to make much attacking impact going down the slope after the break. Soon after the hour Connor Jeromson’s challenge near the bye line gave Chard a penalty and earned the midfielder a sin bin for his disputes. The home side made it 3-1 from the spot and more goals gave the score line an emphatic slant with Watchet again guilty of naive defensive work.

Watchet Town: Vinnie Jones, Josh Aspey,Charley Clausen, Eben Harding, Jay Darrell, Ali Harrison, Brandon Walsh, Connor Jeromson, Olly Prescott, Billy Jones, Ryan Wilkinson. Subs: Alfie Cox Adam Jefferies and Chris Sully (all used). Watchet’s A & P Farmer man of the match was Brandon Walsh.

Watchet’s difficult campaign back in the Premier Division which began with six away games in August has finished earlier than anyone can remember. They are now left in the lurch waiting on the outcome of Worle’s last two fixtures on April 21st and 24th away to Timsbury Athletic and Nailsea United respectively.