Alsager Town 1 Chasetown 1

Chasetown took a 16-man squad up the M6 to Alsager with debuts for Callum Lovatt at left back, centre half James O'Neill (who captained for the day) and Tatenda Bako.

A bright start for the visitors saw a host of chances but none materialised with the opening goal.

Eventually, the Scholars took the lead with Frankie Baigent drilling a low shot beyond the home keeper.

The hosts were then reduced to ten men with a red card shown for violent conduct, although Alsager were then permitted by the match referee to utilise a substitute to return to their full compliment of 11 men.

Alsager Goalkeeper Matt Conkie was the busier of the two keepers, making two early second half saves to deny Jake Lovatt.

Sheeran Bowden levelled for the home side after they were awarded a penalty for a handball, sending sub keeper Curtis Pond the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Scott Dundas' men looked the most likely of the sides to get a winner though and late on, Nkosi Mzungwana struck the post with Conkie beaten.

Chasetown: Reaney (Pond, HT), Degville (Ryan, HT), C Lovatt, Sedgley, O'Neill, Devlin (Hayward, HT), Mzungwana, Bako (Flattley, HT), J Lovatt, Johnson (Degville, 73 mins), Baigent (Whieldon, HT).