From the off, Chasetown had a go at Stafford and an early Stan Mugisha run took him beyond three defenders before a fourth one finally snuffed out the danger.

Stafford put some pressure on Chasetown too but it was evenly matched until former Rangers player James Dance broke into the box, had perhaps a bit of luck with the bounce of the ball but gave keeper Adam Whitehouse no chance with a clever finish that sent the Rangers number 1 the wrong way.

As expected, the league leaders came back strongly and it took a last ditch header from Francino Francis to thwart another home attack.

It was more than deserved when Stafford equalised three minutes before half-time. It took three attempts though, as John Bateman got down low to save the first, Henry Eze blocked the second but Chasetown were unable to prevent Christian Dacres from netting.

Roared on by a noisy 978 crowd, anyone would have understood if Stafford had taken the game by the scruff of the neck and gone on to win, but in fact it was Chasetown who started the second half more brightly and really should have restored their lead.

Simon Brown’s free kick ended up on the head of Eze but somehow he got underneath the ball, almost on the goal line and put the effort over.

The hosts were reduced to ten men when Josh Craddock received a straight red card and the Scholars sensed the chance of a victory.

Paul Sullivan drilled a shot inches wide of the upright before Chasetown went even closer as George Washbourne’s corner was headed against the post by Francis.

Bateman made a superb low save to deny Rangers taking a late lead and perhaps that fired them on for the three points as two minutes from the end, Chasetown were caught on the counter attack and substitute Joe Thomas rounded Bateman as he advanced and slotted home an undeserved winner.

Chasetown: Bateman, Thompson, Edwards (Wynter, 63 mins), Francis, Eze, Brown, Mugisha (Gould, 82 mins), Davies, Dance, Sullivan, Washbourne

Other subs: Slater, Turton, Robinson (not used)