In 1976 Chard moved up to the Western League, becoming members of the new Division One. They were Division One runners-up in 1983–84, earning promotion to the Premier Division. Although the club were relegated after finishing bottom of the Premier Division in 1986–87, they were Division One runners-up again the following season and were promoted back to the Premier Division. The club won the South West Counties Cup in 1988–89, but were relegated again at the end of the 1992–93 season, and remained in Division One until a second-place finish in 1995–96 saw them return to the Premier Division.