The Glassboys came to Church Street boasting a ten game sequence of victories that had propelled Gary Hackett’s men into strong promotion candidates, but the Scholars halted that run as they twice came from behind to earn themselves three much needed points writes Russell Brown.

It was a vital win for Charlie Blakemore’s side who were seriously in danger of letting the leading pack slip away from them as their cup exploits left them at least eight games in hand over the rest of the Southern League Division One Midlands promotion hopefuls.

The manager was able to name an unchanged starting eleven from the side that performed miracles in that FA Cup defeat of Port Vale. The only changes being on the bench where recent signings Scott Clamp and Nathan Lamey resumed after being cup tied.

Stourbridge quickly showed just why they have risen so swiftly up the leagues after a disastrous start to the season had left the Glassboys bottom of the table at the end of August; the visitors taking the game to their hosts and forcing the lead after just nine minutes.

Sam Rock had brought a fine save from Lee Evans to gain an early corner and when the flag kick was played in Paul Danks was sharp enough to get in a near post flick that stunned the home side.

After several half chances from both sides, Chasetown gained a 22nd minute penalty when Dean Perrow was tripped by Craig Slater as the striker had tricked his way past the tall centre half. Perrow dusted himself down and Chasetown’s top marksman fired the spot kick confidently home.

The Glassboys reacted positively to that set back and regained the lead just ten minutes later. Again it was from twelve yards out as a shot driven across a crowded Chasetown area was adjudged to have struck a defenders hand and referee Mr Burton pointed to the spot. Leon Broadhurst managed to achieve a feat that was twice beyond Port Vale’s Luke Rodgers in midweek as the Stourbridge player beat Evans from the penalty kick to give the visitors a 2-1 half time lead.

The Scholars wasted no time in levelling the game for the second time, although Stourbridge played a huge part in conceding another equaliser. A poor back pass was never going to reach Lewis Solly especially when Perrow was in the vicinity and the striker easily glided around the stranded keeper to net his second just three minutes after the interval.
Chasetown had their heads up now and Craig Holland struck the ball into the side netting after a superb cross had seen the midfielder sneak in on the blind side of the Stourbridge defence.

The game was finally decided with the award of a third penalty with the referee having no option than to point to the spot once again after Solley had taken out Perrow when the striker was played clean through. Perrow duly raised himself to fire confidently past the keeper for his second hat trick of the season.

Chasetown brought on Tuesday night’s goal hero Danny Smith for Perrow and was unfortunate to be flagged off side after a long ball forward had deceived the keeper and slipped past him whilst he had a eye on the substitute and although Smith had not touched the ball, his presence was deemed as interference and the goal was ruled out.

Chasetown: Evans, J Branch, M Branch, Chris Slater, Thomas, Williams, Steane, Hawkins (Clamp), Perry, Perrow (D Smith), Holland

Other Subs: Lamey, Spacey, S Smith (not used)