In a match where the teams cancelled each other out for most of the cold but dry evening, Perrow made his first Scholars appearance since August 15th last year when he suffered a leg injury at Lincoln United in the first league game of the season, and he was on the scoresheet within two minutes of his comeback.

Grant Ryan was also in attacking mode having a shot deflected for a corner Ben Jevons’ headed just outside the post in the first minute, while Dean Crowe had Leek’s first effort on six minutes but fired over the bar.

Gary Hay also had a great chance to put Chasetown ahead but his weak shot was cleared off the line by Pete Johnson, but something of a drought in front of goal followed as the sides battled in midfield. On 35 minutes Ryan and Mark Branch combined for an attack following a corner but Leek keeper Steve Hodgson was able to gather at the second attempt, and just before the break the lively Ryan tried to lob Hodgson but the ball went over the bar.

Half time: Chasetown 0 Leek Town 0.

The second half began in similar fashion with neither side able to find an opening through some tight midfield play, although Hay and Jevons went close on 65 minutes following a Gavin Saunders free kick and Paul Taylor for Leek hit the post three minutes later with Ryan Price beaten.

Ramone Stephens was having a quieter evening after the fine form he showed at Belper on Easter Monday, and a mis-kick on 68 minutes allowed Andy Taylor to hack the ball clear. Chasetown were now looking the brighter side, and Hay’s header from a John Branch cross was collected by Hodgson before Perrow was introduced to bolster the attack to a huge reception from the Scholars faithful.

Two minutes later the “Goal Machine” PERROW picked up exactly where he had left off in 2009 as he intercepted a Nick Ward back pass and coolly chipped the ball over the advancing Hodgson to put the hosts ahead.

Perrow’s return will be a huge boost to the Scholars as they push for promotion, and with the week’s results elsewhere in their favour the side now sit second in the table.

Chasetown: Price, J Branch, M Branch, Slater, Horton, Saunders, Stephens, Egan (c), Hay, Ryan, Jevons. Subs: Smith (Ryan 64), Anslow, Perrow (Stephens 78), Miller, Horler (Jevons 74).

Leek: Hodgson, P Johnson, P Taylor, A Taylor (c), Ward, Hawthorne, Wooliscroft, Brannan, Ashman, Crowe, M Johnson. Subs: Allen (Brannan 74), Robinson, W Johnson, Macari (P Johnson 85), Cope.

Goals: Perrow 80.

Referee: Mr D Gratton.

Attendance: 340