Aylesbury were expected to pose a significant threat to The Scholars defence, after doing the double over their hosts the previous season. The early play however was completely dictated by Chasetown, who without really testing Tom Winters, looked in control.

Lacking of late from The Scholars play has been the use of both flanks but skipper Lee Parsons seemed determined to eradicate that view as he switched play with a crisp pass to Mark Branch. The wing-back sped past a couple of challenges before finding Craig Holland who teed up Ben Steane to try his luck from 20 yards. The eventual effort was charged down but worryingly the midfielder required a couple of minutes of treatment.

Chasetown continued to spread the ball around but The Ducks backline held firm and they then created two good opportunities in the space of five minutes. First Kevin Mealor fizzed the ball across the six-yard box without a touch being applied, then after a succession of corners Roni Joe’s shot was charged down.

The Scholars themselves created chances of their own as quick interchanges between Branch, Perry, Dean Perrow and Craig Holland combined to release Paul Spacey who from a tight angle on the edge of the box produced the first real save either keeper had been forced to make.

On the stroke of half time Perry out jumped Nick Leach and flicked a header just over after Parsons had dug out a cross.

Perrow then headed wide a Spacey cross and then he himself drilled a shot wide when well placed. The Scholars taught their opponents a lesson in counter attacking.

Goalkeeper Lee Evans plucked an Aylesbury free-kick out of the air before releasing Spacey down the right with a quick throw; he hared down the touchline before squaring the ball to Holland on the edge of the area. Instead of trying his luck, the midfielder feigned a shot while slipping the ball through to Perrow. His first time shot was well parried by Vincent but Perry was on hand to pick up the pieces and bury the chance.

Perry then carved out another chance for himself, trapping the ball before turning past his marker and driving the ball straight at Vincent from 25 yards.

The Ducks then wasted a great chance as a long throw was flicked on and when the ball fell to the feet of the forward he sent the ball inches wide when brilliantly placed.

Both sides then spurned several half-chances during the final third but
neither nearing the quality of Chasetown’s goal nor exerting any periods of pressure. The closest either came was another blocked effort, this time from Perrow, as the defences certainly emerged on top.

Chasetown: Evans, Spacey, Branch, Slater, Thomas, Williams, Steane (S Smith, 84 mins), Parsons, Perry, Perrow (D Smith, 90 mins), Holland