It was a lively start from the visitors and Dean Perrow easily tripped through a poorly constructed offside trap and his low ball into the area looked set to be met by the incoming Jermaine Gordon but somehow keeper Martin Patching managed to intercept the ball, foiling the early chance.
Barton welcomed back Brett Donnelly back into the side but it was a blow to Rovers when the striker hobbled off the field in the 11th minute, to be replaced by Tony Fontenelle.

Nick Hawkins tried to place the ball into a dangerous area for Perrow, but Dave Tilbury got there just before the striker to head partially clear. The ball fell for Ben Steane on the edge of the box, but the midfielder had to take the chance instantly and screwed his effort wide.

A Frazer Toms free kick saw the home side finally venture forward and although the set piece was dealt with, Steve Sinclair still managed to turn the ball towards goal with an inventive header, but Lee Evans was never going to be troubled as the effort was directed straight at him.
It was going to prove to be an uneventful night for the Chasetown keeper who was kept busy by taking the majority of the visitor’s free kicks in his half of the field.

Hawkins low drive was dealt with by Patching who got his body well behind the shot, but moments later he was beaten as a superbly placed free kick was met by Gordon who somehow got beneath the chance to loop the ball over the keeper to clip the bar.

There was a humorous moment for the brave Scholars fans who had made the trip to Barton Le Clay as Lucan Spittle’s shoulder charge near the corner flag not only took out the Barton striker but his momentum forced the assistant to topple over near the end of the half. Unfortunately Mr Field was not amused as he promptly booked the big defender.

Gordon was having an eventful night and was taking some punishment as Rovers kept tight on the big striker. There was a shout for a penalty as Gordon was bundled down in the area by Patching, but referee Mr Field, continued his leniency policy by waving away the appeals.

If the attacking play lacked punch, that certainly could not be said of Tilbury as he openly struck Gordon in the stomach near the dugouts and that must have sent panic signals down the Rovers bench as the referee immediately stopped play. With home managers Gary King and Gary Fitzgerald fearing the worst, the official amazed everyone with the production of just a yellow card for the offence.

With Perrow making way for Nathan Lamey in the last quarter of the game, Phil Harris continued to enhance his reputation as his battling qualities saw the youngster get in a fine ball into the area that just evaded the substitute.

Once again it was frustration in front of goal as Lamey got away from his marker to fire in a low ball that just skipped behind the unlucky Gordon as Barton were slow to react to the strikers run.
With Barton visibly tiring Harris was able to get in another long range shot, but Patching continued his excellent performance by gathering on his six yard line.

After all their efforts, Chasetown finally had to settle for a point, but they will be heartened by a good all round performance that certainly deserved more reward as they trekked home from Bedfordshire to prepare for the visit of fellow play-off hopefuls Chesham United on Saturday.

Chasetown: Evans, Harris, M Branch (Aulton), Spittle, Penny (Perry), Williams, Steane, Woodvine, Gordon, Perrow (Lamey), Hawkins

Other Subs: Smith, Holland (not used)