The Scholars started brightly, showing early intent. A dangerous ball whipped in by Cater flashed menacingly across the face of goal, just begging for a touch. Langston followed up with a well-struck free-kick that tested Parton between the sticks, but the Congleton keeper was equal to it. Unitt nearly capitalised on a long ball, racing one-on-one with Parton, only to be denied at the final moment.

After a tense, goalless first half, the second period came alive. The introduction of Yates injected fresh energy. He surged into the area and let fly, only to see his effort blocked. The rebound fell kindly to Langston, who saw his follow-up shot dramatically saved on the line by the ever-alert Parton.

Congleton responded with pressure of their own, a flicked header narrowly steering a corner effort wide. Tension built as Unitt was hauled down by Garner-Knapper, who was promptly booked. Langston then rose high to nod a header into the path of Butlin, but the ball was just beyond his reach. Langston, cool and composed in the box, cut inside and rifled the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling Chasetown fans.

But joy turned to despair minutes later. A lapse in coverage allowed Needham to ghost into space and fire Congleton level, his finish sneaking past Pond. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation, extra time beckoned at Booth Street. McCarthy put Congleton ahead early in the first half, pouncing to make it 2-1.

Yet Chasetown refused to lie down. A brilliant delivery into the box was met by Yates, who turned it home and sent the away end into raptures. The defining moment came shortly after. A penalty was awarded to Chasetown—a golden chance to seal it. Glover stepped up and struck to the right, but Parton guessed correctly and pulled off a sensational save to keep Congleton alive.

With a Chasetown 4-3 loss on penalties, as we now bow out of the playoff’s, we are immensely proud of all our first team this season and we would like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters for backing them this season!