The Scholars have not enjoyed a consistent season so far, and the Gingerbreads were the stronger and more organised side throughout in the first of two visits to Chasetown this month.

Grantham were the first side to settle in very hot conditions and the home side did not enjoy their first chance until the 15th minute, Mark Branch’s cross sending keeper Rob Murray scrambling but the ball went wide of the post.

The visitors were clearly strong and took the lead on 23 minutes when a mistake from Matty Cohen allowed Paul Grimes into space and his right-footed shot went across Ryan Price’s goal into the corner of the net.

Chasetown had two great chances to equalise, the first coming on 29 minutes when Gary Birch headed a Branch cross goalwards but Murray got back to clear off the line, while six minutes later Birch’s header found only the woodwork.

Grantham almost made it two on 39 minutes when Richard Teesdale stumbled but Grimes dragged his shot wide after pouncing on the loose ball.

Chasetown made the better start to the second half with Birch again going close but his shot went wide, before on 56 minutes Grant Brindley handled in the area to hand the Scholars a penalty with skipper Teesdale converting to draw the home side level.

Chasetown thought they had taken the lead on 63 minutes but Ben Jevons’ header was ruled out for offside after some good work by Jordan Johnson, and five minutes later the visitors were back in front when a long goal kick was headed into the air by Cohen and gathered by Gio Carchedi who despite miskicking his shot still found the net.

The hosts tried hard to force an equaliser but could not find the crosses or pass completion required, Johnson going closest in the closing stages but his shot went over the bar. Ben Saunders also came close to a third for the Gingerbreads after outpacing substitute Dean Perrow, but Price was able to gather his shot.

Chasetown: Price, Farmer (Bridgwater, 81 mins), M Branch, Cohen, Turner, Teesdale, Johnson,
Reid (Stephens, 52 mins), Birch, Smith (Perrow, 62 mins), Jevons

Other Subs: Westwood, Peel, Edwards, Wiggins (not used)