The two sides were even from the kick-off, but the home side’s attack eventually prevailed to condemn the Scholars to only their second Southern League Midland Division defeat of the season.

Sutton forward Justin Rowe entered a lively performance, and had the opening chance at goal after beating Joe Williams, cutting in from the right only to see his shot gathered by Lee Evans.

The deadlock was finally broken on 39 minutes when Mykel Beckley cut into the area from the left to join Rowe, who hit the ball sweetly to the right of Evans giving the Scholars keeper no chance.

Chasetown rallied and continued pushing forward for an equaliser as the first half progressed, with Craig Holland firing just over the bar from a corner. A long ball out from the Sutton defence then found Rowe on the left, and he crossed to Craig Thomas who was left with an easy shot to send the hosts into a 2-0 lead at the break.

The start of the second half saw the visitors continue to apply the pressure, although Sutton bit back with a brace of long range shots. After a scrappy period of play Danny Smith replaced Nathan Lamey in the Scholars attack, and he would prove to be the difference.

Rowe continued to cause Chasetown problems, forcing Evans into a couple of smart saves to keep the deficit at two goals.

On 63 minutes Karl Edwards replaced Kyle Perry to further bolster the Scholars’ attack, and two minutes later the gap was halved. A defensive break headed by Paul Spacey pushed the ball through to Ben Steane, and after two efforts were blocked the ball fell to Danny Smith who right footed it past Chris Gemmell for 2-1.

The visitors pressed on but couldn’t find an equaliser, while the defence were occupied throughout in stifling the efforts of the tenacious Rowe. The final push over the closing minutes was sadly in vain, and the home side secured the three points.

Chasetown: Evans, Spacey, M Branch, Thompson, Thomas, Williams, Steane, Parsons, Perry, Lamey, Holland

Subs: D Smith, Edwards, S Smith, J Branch, Aulton (not used)