Despite some good work in midfield throughout, the Scholars could not create enough scoring chances against a strong Bay defence and an early second half strike from Rob Hopley was enough to cement the Welsh side in second in the table, a penalty save from Ryan Price the highlight for the visitors.

Things began badly for the Scholars when skipper Richard Teesdale pulled up injured in the warm-up and was replaced by Dave Bridgwater, but the side responded well to early pressure from the Seagulls with Ramone Stephens and Dean Perrow leading the challenge.

The home defence had to work hard to counter Chasetown’s attacking pace, Joe McMahon and Danny Grannon looking strong but the Scholars defence did likewise restricting Colwyn to a couple of half-chances and a free kick. Mark Branch sent a free kick for Chasetown wide before the Seagulls began to show increased pace down the right flank as the game gathered momentum.

Steve Abbott tried to head home at the far post on 22 minutes but Grannon was equal to him and keeper Chris Sanna gathered on the line, while a free kick from Seagulls skipper Damien Allen was headed on into Price’s hands from the left.

Price was called into action again in the 38th minute as he dived low to save Jon Newby’s sliced shot, but chances were still few and far between as the two sides cancelled each other out.

Four minutes into the second half and the home side were in front, Luke Denson’s initial shot blocked but Rob Hopley was on hand to lash the rebound past Price to open the scoring.

Denson tried again three minutes later but his cross-cum-shot from the right flew over the bar before another Mark Branch free kick came to nothing from the right.

Hopley broke clear on the hour down the left but found only the side netting before Bay appeals for a penalty were turned down and Newby fired over the bar from 20 yards as the hosts kept pushing hard to attempt to make it safe.

On 73 minutes Scholars substitute Danny Smith brought down Allen in the area but Ryan Price palmed away Newby’s spot kick and stand-in skipper Jimmy Turner cleared for a corner.

The Scholars were struggling to find chances, Danny Smith shooting over the bar on 83 minutes and Mark Branch seeing another free kick punched away by Sanna as the Seagulls took the spoils to continue their playoff chase.

Chasetown: Price, Turner, M Branch, Slater, Cohen, Bridgwater (Hay, 76 mins), Stephens (Smith, 66 mins), Davies, Abbott, Perrow (Ryan, 68 mins), Jevons

Other Subs: Westwood, Teesdale (not used)