Skipper Chris Slater became the first person in Chasetown’s history to play 400 league games for the club but his side suffered a play-off setback to title chasing Shaw Lane Aquaforce.

The Barnsley side took the lead after just four minutes with a quick attack that caught Chasetown out and when the ball ran into the path of James Walshaw he drilled a left foot shot past John Bateman.

Chasetown almost levelled with a Francino Francis header which was plucked out of the air by Tom Morgan as the home side responded immediately.

The Yorkshiremen made it 2-0 before twenty minutes though as the visitors broke quickly and Gavin Allott stole in to net from close range.

Chasetown’s Paul Sullivan had a goal disallowed for the tightest of offside decisions in a dramatic opening quarter of the game.

Sullivan brought the Scholars back into the game four minutes before half time seizing onto a through ball from midfield and casually lifted the ball over Morgan.

Francis was a whisker away with a header from a corner as Chasetown started the second half brightly and Jed Davies curled a dipping free kick inches over the bar as Dave Stringer’s men took charge.

On the break, Shaw Lane should have given themselves some daylight but skipper Matt Thornhill blazed a shot off target with just Bateman to beat.

But, for all their efforts, Chasetown were unable to force an equaliser and Shaw Lane remain in fighting distance behind Stafford Rangers at the top.

Chasetown: Bateman, Williams, Thompson, Slater, Francis (Mugisha, 89 mins), Brown, Washbourne (Turton, 28 mins), R Davies (Adaggio, 57 mins), Dance, Sullivan, J Davies