This was an improved showing from the Scholars after manager Chris Brindley vowed that things would change after a few weeks of struggle, but despite both they and the Dabbers creating plenty of opportunities – and seeing a goal disallowed apiece in the second half – the spoils were shared.

In sunny conditions the action was equally bright throughout the first half; both sides creating several chances but goalkeepers Jon Brain and Ryan Price were both on top form. Chasetown had the opening chance of the game but Dave Bridgwater’s free kick was cleared by the Dabbers defence, while Dave MacPherson, Dennis Sherriff and skipper Chris Flynn all went close for the hosts.

On 20 minutes the Scholars survived a scare when Sherriff intercepted a back pass from Richard Teesdale but thankfully Price was able to recover before the Dabbers forward could shoot, the home side thereafter producing some good runs down the left but Jimmy Turner and Chris Slater were equal to them.

Mark Hands enjoyed a couple of chances for the visitors but Brain was not to be beaten, while Chase debutants Scott Lycett and Danny Quinn pushed hard for the new-look side. The latter beat three defenders through the middle on 25 minutes but Brain was able to collect his shot at the second attempt.

A Sherriff effort was pushed around the post by the lively Price and a couple of Bridgwater free kicks came to nought, while Dabbers leading scorer Michael Lennon shot wide as an entertaining half ended goalless.

Seven minutes into the second half Nantwich were reduced to ten men when Aleksandrs Solovjovs was sent off for a second yellow card, while Sherriff hit the bar and MacPherson shot wide.

Darren Stride found a good chance for the Scholars on 57 minutes from a Lycett cross but Brain punched the ball away from under his crossbar, while Chasetown were guilty of conceding too many free kicks close to the box but their defence were able to clear each time.

Lennon had the ball in the net for the hosts on 73 minutes but the flag was up for offside, and the same happened for Chasetown five minutes later when Stride was ruled offside as Mark Branch found the net.

In the closing minutes Stride found another chance after substitute Dean Perrow squared the ball to him but he fired his shot over the bar and the Scholars had to settle for a draw.

Chasetown: Price, Lycett (Perrow, 81 mins), M Branch, Slater, Turner, Teesdale, Hands (Hughes, 63 mins), Stride, Birch (Smith, 82 mins), Quinn, Bridgwater

Other Subs: Downes, Farmer (not used)