The dream of a home tie against the likes of Walsall, Leeds United or Nottingham Forest eluded the giant killers as they were handed an away tie against Southern League Premier outfit Team Bath writes Russell Brown.

It was an amazing performance from the minnows as they staved off fierce pressure from Blue Square North side Nuneaton as Borough threw everything at the Scholars in the closing stages in an effort to grab a face saving replay. But not even the addition of four minutes of injury time could deny Charlie Blakemore’s warriors as they celebrated reaching the first round for the second time in three seasons.

The manager paid tribute to his side as they defeated another side from two leagues above them and he was upbeat about the task facing them in the next round. Although not gaining the draw that most at the Church Street ground, who had crowded around the clubhouse screen to witness the televised draw, had hoped for, there was a sense of optimism that the club could rewrite their history books by reaching the second round.
One thing is sure though, the Scholars will have a huge following for the away tie as the whole town once again, is infected with FA Cup fever.

The game was a tight affair in the first half, with the Scholars best chance seeing Kyle Perry fire a wayward shot well off target when he had more time and space than he thought and the main threat from Borough was coming from the aerial prowess of Andy Brown.

But just when it looked like both sides would troop into the break on level terms, Chasetown brought the huge 1,408 strong crowd to life. Two minutes before the interval, some great work wide on the left from Dean Perrow saw the strikers cross elude Boro’ captain Tom Curtis and John Branch swept in to stab home at the near post.

A minute after the break and Nuneaton were left reeling as Chasetown doubled their lead. A quick throw from Mark Branch saw Perry flick the ball on at the near post. Keeper Darren Acton and his defender leaving the ball to each other, in nipped Dean Perrow to stab in from close range to whip the crowd into frenzy.

Had March Branch’s superb solo effort dipped just a yard sooner, then Borough’s game would have been over. Acton left stranded as the attacking wing back’s shot cannoned off the crossbar.

Nuneaton had to react and they responded in the 67th minute. A route one clearance from the keeper was helped into the path of Matty Collins and the former West Bromwich Albion player struck an instant shot from 25 yards out that flashed past Lee Evans to give the visitors a lifeline.
The pressure was really on now, but with Chris Slater and Joe Williams, along with Vaughan Thomas producing yet another solid defensive performance, Borough were restricted to set pieces to try and find the equaliser.

Brian Quailey went close to dragging Chasetown back to Liberty Way, but his attempted lob over the advancing Evans dropped onto the top of the crossbar to bring gasps of relief from the anxious crowd.

The final whistle brought jubilation once again to Chasetown and with the crowd mobbing their heroes, who can say just where this adventure might lead Charlie and his Angels?

Chasetown: Evans, J Branch, M Branch, Slater, Thomas, Williams, Steane, Parsons, Perry (D Smith), Perrow, Holland (S Smith)

Other Subs: Edwards, Spacey, Thompson (not used)