The display was a massive improvement for the Scholars, who looked much more hungry and determined than in recent weeks right from the kick-off, and fans were rewarded with a lively and attacking display.

Ben Steane made his first start for some time for the Scholars and began proceedings with one of his trademark runs through the centre, but Grove keeper Gavin Deaville was able to gather Grant Ryan’s cross.

Chasetown’s fast paced start continued with Richard Batchelor and Ross Miller working hard, and the side looked lively and eager to avenge Saturday’s disappointing performance at Mickleover Sports.

Grove skipper Adam Beasley fired Tom Schwarz’s free kick goalwards on 12 minutes but his shot went wide, and the defence did well to stifle an attack by Chris Leigh and Aiden Matranga in the 18th minute as the Staffordshire Senior Cup holders took the fight to the Scholars.

Birch then rounded the defence on the right for the home side but Deaville was equal to his shot, but Chasetown continued to push and deservedly took the lead in the best possible fashion in the 28th minute with a superb effort from BIRCH who blasted the ball over Deaville from 40 yards out.

Deaville then dived low to pull off a fine save as the Scholars improved with every kick, Batchelor heading away Matt Haddrell’s shot on 36 minutes and the midfield displaying some forceful play.

Kidsgrove pressed hard down the left hand side as the second half got up to speed, but Vaughan Thomas and John Branch displayed good positioning to counter. The latter’s cross on 54 minutes was headed away at the far post by Schwarz, while a well-placed Steane free kick just past the hour was plucked out of the air by Deaville.

John Branch was showing a brilliant turn of pace down the right and fired inches over the bar on 64 minutes, after which Deaville denied the Scholars with two further fine saves.

Ryan Price was in fine form between the sticks on his return to the Scholars fold from a hip injury, while the Scholars looked set to add a second in the 80th minute but John Branch’s effort was cleared off the line and Danny Smith’s first touch after replacing Ryan was somehow blocked by the defence.

The pace then began to slow slightly, but the hosts continued to play their liveliest football seen for some time and deservedly progressed. Manager Charlie Blakemore said: “The lads were really fired up for the game tonight, and this result will silence a few of our critics.”

Chasetown: Price, J Branch, M Branch, Miller, Thomas, Teesdale (c), Steane, Egan, Birch, Ryan, Batchelor. Subs: Danny Smith (Ryan 80), Woodvine, Holland (Batchelor 76), Horton, Bragoli.

Kidsgrove: Deaville, Shenton, Sanders, Schwartz, Leigh, Beasley (c), Matranga, Hall, Shotton, Haddrell, Bridge. Subs: Danny Smith (Bridge 62), Dove, Moss (Sanders 76), Wooliscroft (Matranga 87), Intihar (GK).

Referee: Mr R H Smith

Attendance: 169