A 7th minute goal from midfielder Danny Scheppel extended the Robins lead over the Scholars to twenty points and although Chasetown do have games in hand, the gap is starting to look a little daunting for the FA Cup heroes writes Russell Brown.

Manager Charlie Blakemore was handed a double blow before the game as top scorer Dean Perrow and midfield maestro Nick Hawkins were absent due to flu. Blakemore certainly rung the changes though, with brothers Mark and John Branch relegated to the bench, the Chasetown boss opting to give new signing Dean Craven a debut start and switching Craig Holland to a right wing back role.

Up front, Karl Edwards was called upon to make a rare start to partner Danny Smith and with Nathan Lamey playing behind the front two, it was an attacking line up from the visitors. But it was the Robins that got off to a flying start with an early goal.

Keeper Nathan Vaughan fired in a route one free kick from deep inside his half and although the visitors managed to get a clearing header to the set piece, it dropped kindly to Scheppel on the edge of the area allowing the United player to take the chance quickly, firing in a volley that found the bottom corner of the net through a crowded penalty area.

Chasetown replied with a raid down the Evesham right and Craven showed his talent to get in a good cross that United were relived to clear for a corner. Edwards showed his eagerness to impress as he held up the ball before getting in another dangerous cross that was again put behind by a defender.

From the flag kick, Andy Penny was close to gaining his first goal in Chasetown colours as his well placed header was hacked off the line by Danny Hodnett.

The visitors conceded possession in their own half to set up a chance for Mark Owen and keeper Lee Evans did well to block the former Worcester City striker as he tried to capitalise on the error.

With the half coming to a close, Nathan Lamey set up a great chance for the Scholars as his low cross eluded the defender at the near post, but with Evesham exposed, striker Danny Smith missed his kick in front off goal to let the home side off the hook.

Second half saw Chasetown throw everything at their hosts and Evesham had little opportunity to do anything but defend. A cross in from Craven was headed narrowly past the post by Penny and a free kick was also slightly off target from Dave Woodvine.

Frustration was beginning to build up as the Scholars grabbed plenty of possession in the second period, but failed to find the vital penetration required to break down a resolute Evesham rearguard.
Scott Clamp had a shot cleared off the line from Owen who had tracked back to help out his besieged defence and with United taking every opportunity to run down the clock things were starting to look bleak.

With United keeping ten men behind the ball at times, Chasetown just could not find the vital breakthrough required and when they did get past the massed defence, they found home keeper Nathan Vaughan in top form, confidently gathering a couple of dangerous looking crosses from the now reinstated Mark Branch.

Time finally ran out for the Scholars as Evesham recorded a league double over the Staffordshire side and extended their lead over second placed Leamington to seven points.

Chasetown: Evans, Holland (J Branch), Craven (M Branch), Spittle, Penny, Williams, Clamp, Lamey, Smith, Edwards, Woodvine

Other Subs: Perry, Harris, Swann (not used)