Third placed Chasetown faced league leaders Ilkeston on Saturday in front of the Scholars’ seventh-highest home crowd ever, standing at 1,404.

Ilkeston began the game on the front foot, showing excellent defending and blocking everything the Scholars attempted. The away side also had chances of their own, particularly from set pieces.

Midway through the first half, Chasetown found their feet and started to challenge Ilkeston. The best chance of the half came in the 23rd minute, when Jack Langston fired a somewhat ambitious shot that found its way just wide of the left post.

The Scholars managed to find another gear in the second half, creating numerous chances right in front of the energetic home fans. A cross from Ben Lund found Joey Butlin in the 60th minute, but his header was tipped just over the bar by Ross Durrant.

Chasetown persevered, however, and took numerous opportunities on the counter attack. In the 84th minute, Ryan Wynter picked up the ball in the midfield. With just six minutes to spare on the clock, the play ended with a typical Langston and Butlin link up. The Scholars’ striker headed the ball into the back of the net, sending the home fans into rapture.