A tight first half saw both sides create several chances only to squander them, but the deadlock was broken in the Scholars’ favour by winger John Branch three minutes before the break following a fine solo run.

Sheffield had the first couple of chances of the afternoon with David Graham shooting wide of the far post and Chris Adams’s lob clearing the bar in the opening minutes, but the Scholars had a clear chance to take the lead in the fifth minute. A corner from the right found Gary Hay unmarked at the far post, but the ball slipped under his foot and went out for a goal kick.

Grant Ryan tried repeatedly but couldn’t quite get a shot on target, while Dave Egan saw one header fly wide and another clear the bar. The hosts were enjoying plenty of opportunities too, but Ryan Price in the Chasetown goal and the defence marshalled by Richard Teesdale kept things even.

On 42 minutes John Branch finally broke the deadlock, picking up a pass from Teesdale before producing an excellent run to beat two defenders and rifle the ball into the far corner of the net – his first goal for over 100 games for the Scholars.

Egan saw two more headers miss the target as the second half began, and on 56 minutes Sheffield drew level. Andrew Gascoigne crossed from the left and substitute Brian Cusworth sent a free header across the goal and into the corner of the net.

The hosts could have scored an identical goal two minutes later, Chris Adams providing the cross but this time Cusworth headed wide.

The pace slowed thereafter with neither side wanting to give the match away, Ryan enjoying a couple more opportunities before being replaced by Johaine Thompson while Ben Jevons headed an Egan cross wide. Ashley Burbeary tried for the home side with a long range effort which flew over the bar, while a similar shot from Ondrej Pacek was deflected to Price.

In the closing stages the visitors found one final chance, but Jevons headed John Branch’s corner into keeper Kyle Clancy’s arms and the tie ended in a draw.

Chasetown: Price, J Branch, M Branch, Cohen, Bridgwater, Teesdale, Edwards (Stephens, 80 mins), Egan, Hay, Ryan (Thompson, 70 mins), Jevons

Other Subs: Currithers, Saunders, Farmer (not used)