A wet Scholars Ground saw a tight opening with both sides creating half chances in the first period.

After 28 minutes though, Chasetown thought they had broken the deadlock. Jimmy O'Neill fired a shot goalwards and Muzzy Nduna tried to divert a header past keeper Greg Hartley but against the crossbar.

The hosts then went close again. George Cater drilled in an effort that Hartley saved and then reacted quickly to deny skipper Jack Langston on his 100th Scholars appearance.

In first half stoppage time Cater rattled the crossbar from long range as Chasetown tried to end a winless home run in the league.

Scott Dundas' men started the second half strongly and Nduna forced an early save from Hartley.

Atherton took the lead in the 71st minute. Vinny Bailey slotted away a Callum Spooner cut back after a quick right wing throw in.

Curtis Pond then made some smart saves to stop the second-placed team from extending their advantage.