The Scholars were barely able to create reasonable chances for much of the 90 minutes in a poor performance, allowing the men from Manchester to continue their push for a playoff place with a lively display.

Dean Perrow made a breakthrough for the Scholars down the left as early as the third minute but his tamely struck shot was parried by keeper James Spencer and bobbled out of harm’s way. FC United’s first chance came after Darren Stride conceded a dangerous free kick on the left but Jack Farmer headed clear.

A Dave Bridgwater free kick on 15 minutes sparked a game of pinball in the penalty area but each Scholars chance was blocked, while a Danny Smith shot from the right flew straight into Spencer’s arms.

The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute when a well-placed cross from the right from Kyle Jacobs was met by Mike Norton whose header left Ryan Price with no chance in the Chasetown goal.

The Scholars looked frustrated at falling behind but were still working hard although their opponents enjoyed the run of play, a shot from Matt Wolfenden stabbed wide in the 32nd minute before the hosts’ frustrations deepened on 35 minutes when Spencer dived to save Perrow’s penalty kick after the striker had been pushed in the back by Adam Jones.

A succession of Scholars chances followed but Spencer and his defenders were equal to them, while Wolfenden then dodged a brace of tackles on the left but his cross-cum-shot was cleared for a corner by Jimmy Turner.

Price tried to make up for his lacklustre first half with a fine diving save to deny Wolfenden on 53 minutes, but things went from bad to worse minutes later when substitute Greg Downes brought down Steve Johnson in the area and Dean Stott lashed his penalty kick beyond Price to double FC United’s lead.

Mark Hands found a rare chance for the home side on 70 minutes but his efforts came to nought while the Reds defence continued to thwart all Scholars attempts to attack as the half progressed.

In the last minute FC United made it three when an attack down the right allowed Wolfenden to send a low shot across Price’s goal and into the far corner of the net to seal the points for the visitors.

Chasetown: Price, Farmer (Downes, 56 mins), M Branch, Slater, Turner, Teesdale, Hands, Stride (Birch, 56 mins), Smith, Perrow (Hughes, 68 mins), Bridgwater

Other Subs: Lycett, Wright (not used)