The Yorkshire side had been predicted as one of the outsiders for league success in the run-up to the new season, but they tested the Scholars well with a strong display on a sunny afternoon although the hosts managed to turn things around in the second half in a measured display which showed the three new faces in the side settling in very well.

The visitors made a bright start with Ryan Price forced into a couple of fine early saves by Tom Marron and former Middlesbrough man Andy Campbell, while Chasetown’s first chance did not come until the 18th minute when a Chris Peel corner was cleared by keeper Tom Courtney before a Gary Birch header hit the crossbar three minutes later with Courtney beaten.

Whitby looked the more organised side and Price was called into action again, pushing Dave McTiernan’s shot round the post and coming off his line to collect a couple of crosses.

The Town side restricted the Scholars well and the hosts were only able to enjoy a couple of chances via a Jake Sedgemore free kick which went wide and a header from Darren Stride which was played back to Dean Perrow whose shot was easily collected by Courtney.

On 38 minutes Whitby’s efforts paid off, a cross from the left by Alex White met by Jake Faichney and he headed in unchallenged at the far post past the stranded Price.

Chasetown improved over the second half with Perrow picking up a loose ball only for his shot to fly wide, while John Branch’s high cross was pushed away by keeper Courtney.

Darren Stride and Peel also went close, the latter from a corner, while Mark Robinson enjoyed a chance or two for the visitors as their earlier efficiency seemed to wane as the Scholars turned up the wick. Price was still put to the test on a few occasions however as the Town found a few breakthroughs, the Chasetown keeper putting in an impressive performance.

Substitute Matt Tymon hit the outside of the post in the closing stages following a throw-in while a free kick from Robinson looked set to find the target only to bounce clear off the woodwork.

The equaliser came on 70 minutes when Ramone Stephens was fouled on the edge of the area and Branch’s free kick found Steadman who headed home unmarked at the far post.

Gary Hay enjoyed a trio of chances to seal the points in the closing minutes but was unlucky each time with two of his shots going over the bar, while Gary Birch also saw a shot go wide and the Scholars had to settle for a draw.

Chasetown: Price, Turner (J Branch, HT), Peel, Slater, Stride, Teesdale, Stephens, Sedgemore (Jevons, 66 mins), Birch, Perrow (Hay, 60 mins), Steadman

Other Subs: Farquharson, Parsons (not used)