Hucknall had only won one of their 7 league fixtures and Chasetown would have been doubly boosted by the fact that the hosts regular goalkeeper was absent prior to kick off and midfielder Rob Austin took up the goalkeeping mantle.

Chasetown began with some positive passing and created some bright openings, only to fall short in front of goal with shots from Gary Hay and Danny Smith going wide of the post inside the first fifteen minutes.

On 26, Chasetown were unfortunate not to take the lead when a left footed drive from Greg Downes squirmed beneath the foot of rookie goalkeeper Rob Austin, with Hucknall lucky to escape with just conceding a corner.

The Scholars lost Chris Slater with an injury just after the half hour, with Greg Downes moving to centre back and Jack Farmer coming on at right back.

Before Chasetown had chance to adjust to their new formation, the home side went ahead. Right back Rob Paling launched a long thrown which was flicked on at the near post into the path of Alex Ford who had a straightforward job of heading his side ahead.

With joint top scorers midfielder Simon Brown and striker Nick Wellecomme both missing through injury, Chasetown hardly looked likely to level the scoreline, with the first serious attempt at goal coming in the 65th minute when a Mark Branch free kick curled around the wall but Austin was equal to the effort with a diving save to his right.

Two minutes later, Hucknall extended their lead. Evan Garnett threaded a neat ball through from midfield which cut Chasetown right open and Julian Topliss showed great composure to slide the ball past Lee Evans.

In truth, the away supporters had precious little to cheer about up until that point, but suddenly were back on the positive for their team.
In the 68th minute, Gary Hay crossed the ball for Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell inside the 6 yard box and the youngster headed home his first Chasetown goal under pressure from a defender.

Manager Craig Harris turned to substitutes Jono Gould and returnee Dave Egan in an attempt to lift the side in the final twenty-or-so minute of the game.

Eight minutes from time, as much in hope as in expectancy, Chasetown had a penalty appeal when Austin seemed to climb all over Danny Smith in his attempt to clear the ball, which fell to Dave Egan whose effort was blocked.

Hucknall dealt what proved to be the killer blow in the 85th minute. Garnett crossed from the right and Ford added his second goal of the game with another header.

Chasetown reduced the arrears when the ball ran loose to Gary Hay in front of goal and the visitors then had a glorious opportunity to equalise a minute later. Egan, who scored on his Scholars debut in 2002 and then his “return debut” in 2009, perhaps should’ve made it a unique “third debut” goal when he dragged a shot inches wide.

In stoppage time, skipper Richard Teesdale had an effort blocked in front of goal, denying Chasetown a share of the spoils that they barely would’ve deserved on the balance of play.

Chasetown: Evans, Downes, Jackson, Slater (Farmer, 32 mins), Bate, Teesdale, Clarke-O’Connell, Westwood (Egan, 68 mins), Hay, Smith, Branch (Gould, 68 mins)

Other subs: Maguire, Price (not used)