After an even start the home side had the first strike, but Jack Copson’s shot was palmed away by the ever-reliable Lee Evans, a Chasetown corner then easily cleared by the Leighton defence.

Evans proved a safe keeper once again as he easily gathered a long range effort from Bruce Wilson, before a Mark Branch corner for the visitors on 13 minutes saw a goalmouth scramble, with several attempts on goal before Scholars skipper Andy Penny stabbed the ball home. The referee later credited the goal to Dean Perrow after judging that his earlier effort in the scramble had crossed the line.

Chasetown continued to press their opposition, a Mark Branch free kick flying just wide of the post, but the hosts equalised on 21 minutes when Captain Peter Clifford headed home a free kick.

Leighton’s parity lasted just seven minutes until a left footed shot from Perrow from the edge of the box beat home keeper Nigel Maarman.
Clifford headed over the bar three minutes later as the home side fought back, and on the stroke of half time Evans was beaten but Todd Perry was on hand to clear the ball off the line despite two Leighton strikers closing him down.

After the break Danny Smith was fouled on the edge of the area, but Nick Hawkins fired the free kick high and wide.

Perry cleared a Wilson free kick before the Scholars began giving away needless fouls which gave the opposition several chances, but they clearly hadn’t brought their shooting boots with them and Chasetown hung on for victory.

Chasetown: Evans, Harris, M Branch (Williams, 71 mins), Spittle, Penny, Perry, Holland, J Branch, Smith, Perrow, Hawkins

Other subs: Steane, Gordon, Colley, Aulton (not used)