Newcastle looked lively going forward in the first period, particularly from winger Thomas Urwin, but it was Chasetown who created the better chances – the first when Danny Bragoli was a whisker wide with a shot into the side netting and then an effort from the impressive Dean Bennett which stung the fingertips of David Parton via the outside of the woodwork out for a Chasetown corner.

It was hardly a classic first half though and the game came into life more in the second half when Chasetown took the lead in the 55th minute. Neat inter-passing between Craig Bannister and Dean Bennett set up a chance for Simon Brown who went down under a challenge from Aaron Carter, with the referee having no hesitation pointing to the penalty spot.

Brown assumed responsibility for the kick himself and smashed the ball beyond Parton into the roof of the Newcastle net.
A much changed Scholars side to give some of the squad players a run out were looking more likely to add a second as the visitors were restricted to long balls into the box which the Chasetown back four dealt with superbly.

Craig Harris’ men deservedly increased their lead ten minutes from time. Substitute Danny Smith, making his first appearance since going off injured at Bedworth in September, broke into the ‘Castle penalty area and his first shot was brilliantly saved by Parton, but Smith reacted well to the rebound and got a connection on the ball which rolled beyond Parton and narrowly inside his left hand post.

Substitute Paul Sullivan fired inches wide of the upright with a few minutes remaining before the third Scholars replacement, Andy Westwood, also went close to adding his name to the score sheet with a shot which deflected wide for a corner.

Chasetown: Danny Watson, Jack Farmer, Louis Keenan, Chris Slater, James Askey, Joe Halsall, Simon Brown, Danny Bragoli, Craig Bannister (Paul Sullivan, 62 mins), Dean Bennett (Andy Westwood, 89 mins), Theo Robinson (Danny Smith, 70 mins)

Other subs: Tyrone Williams, Ryan Price, not used)

Newcastle Town: Parton, J Askey (Lowe, 84 mins), Hardiman, Ashman, Carter, Hill, Gordon (Miller, 74 mins), Skelton (Cole, 67 mins), Nagginton, Sanders, Urwin

Other subs: L Askey, Ryder (not used)