It would be harsh to say that Chasetown were completely outplayed as there were times in the game where a bit of luck here or there would have got The Scholars back on level terms. Yet, similarly, with individual errors at the heart of most of Newcastle’s goals the same could be said that Newcastle was worthy comfortable winners.

Newcastle took the lead as early as the 4th minute. Full back Cliff Moyo exposed the Chasetown left flank and was in acres of space as goalkeeper Ryan Price raced out from his goal to meet him. Moyo managed to get the ball beyond Price but was blocked by Mark Branch, before the loose ball ran to Neville Thompson who steered the ball into an unguarded net.

Chasetown had a golden opportunity to level within 5 minutes. Gary Hay received a ball from midfield and was on the verge of going round ‘Castle keeper Steve Hodgson. Hodgson clearly dragged the ball away from Hay a good two yards outside his area – missed by both Referee and his assistant – but even then Chasetown regained possession and squandered a good opportunity to draw level.

Thompson flashed an effort wide midway through the half and then his team-mate Harry Clayton was convinced he had doubled the home side’s lead with a shot which rebounded off the underside of the bar which Clayton appealed had crossed the line.

Within a minute, Chasetown had hit the bar themselves with Gary Hay's cross, which again Newcastle scrambled clear before Craig Harris’ men could fire home the rebound.

‘Castle ended the half on top with Price saving low to deny Clayton while Thompson blazed over from 6 yards when perhaps he should’ve scored.

Chasetown were the width of the frame of the goal away from a quick equaliser at the start of the second half with Hodgson well beaten by Andy Westwood’s shot which came back off the post.

The visitors resumed brightly and, on the hour, dozens of crisp, sharp passed throughout the whole team opened up the home defence before Dave Bate drove a shot narrowly over the crossbar – an attack that had the away supporters applauding the passing and movement.

Newcastle increased their advantage in the 69th minute however. Greg Downes conceded possession on the right and Paul Whalley broke quickly sliding the ball across to the far post where Thompson added his second from close range.

Six minutes later it was all over. Bate gave the ball away this time and a slide-rule pass put through Thompson who completed his hat-trick with a neat finish.

By this point, Newcastle was well in control and the Scholars only remaining chance was a Westwood header that Hodgson gathered comfortably.

With many Chasetown supporters already heading for the exit, ‘Castle substitute Leon Ashman, who had replaced hat-trick hero Thompson, rounded off the home side’s victory.

Chasetown: Price, Downes, Branch, Farmer, Bate, Teesdale (Slater, 38 mins), Westwood, Saunders, Wellecomme (Smith, 78 mins), Hay, Theo Robinson (Brown, 67 mins)

Other subs: Jackson, Ashton (not used)