After Ramone Stephens was bundled to the ground by Matt Jackson (one of 6 former Chasetown players on show for the Royals), Wellecomme’s right foot kick was well struck but Evans flung himself to his right to not only keep out the kick but also ensuring no follow up from another Scholar.

Sutton were the better side as the first half progressed and Nathan Thompson twice went close with efforts, one which flashed wide and another that was cleared off the line, while strike partner Mark Danks forcing Ryan Price into a great save just before the interval.

Chasetown had struggled to create any clearcut goal scoring opportunities, the best being a low shot from Stephens that fizzed off the surface but was straight at Evans.

After the break, an unchanged Chasetown side had more impetus going forward and strong defending from Joel Kettle blocked Paul Sullivan after a neat one-two with Andy Westwood.

After some sloppy possession in the first half, Chasetown were more assertive after the interval and it was Stephens who took the game to the Royals with a sprint into the penalty area that left Jackson little option but to upend the winger.

Following Evans’ penalty save to deny Wellecomme, Sutton went straight up the other end and struck the crossbar before taking the lead in the 64th minute. Danks, who had gone close in the first half fired home and gave the visiting trumpet and drum band something to make music about!

Walsall boss Dean Smith was among the 161 crowd to see striker Danny Griffiths’ second game of his loan period with Chasetown. Griffiths, who had netted within a minute of coming on as sub at the weekend was soon in the thick of the goalscoring action again. Just 5 minutes after coming on, Stephens pulled the trigger from long range and Evans could only palm out his fierce effort and Griffiths reacted quicker than anyone to slide home the equaliser. If Griffiths does nothing else in his Chasetown career he’ll be remembered for two goals as substitute within less than 6 minutes of entering the action!

Neither side looked very likely to edge the winner. Simon Brown glanced a header wide of the upright while Sutton gave Chasetown a scare when a short free kick from Price went straight to a Sutton forward, before Chasetown recovered to clear the danger.

All-in-all, honours deservedly even.

Chasetown: Ryan Price, Jack Farmer, Grant Beckett, Chris Slater, Tesfa Robinson, Andy Westwood, Lee Butler (Simon Brown, 61 mins), Danny Bragoli, Nick Wellecomme (Theo Robinson, 83 mins), Paul Sullivan (Danny Griffiths, 63 mins), Ramone Stephens

Other subs: Alex Forde, Danny Watson (not used)

Sutton Coldfield Town: Evans, Lycett, Jackson, Parsons, Kettle, Maze, Taylor (Leek, 74 mins), Milligan, Thompson (Hay, 62 mins), Danks, Chapman

Other subs: Williams, McNaught, Gwilliams (not used)