Chasetown took the lead after 13 minutes. A sumptuous cross from Chris Baker from the right was powered home by the head of leading scorer Muzzy Nduna.

It took a world class save from Spalding keeper Michael Duggan to keep it 1-0. From a Danny Cocks cross, Nduna’s diving header was clawed out with the ball virtually past the keeper.

Duggan denied Nduna again from close range, with an outstretched leg to keep the Chase number 9 from adding his second goal.

Spalding levelled with their first attempt at goal. A hopeful ball forward was missed by the Chasetown defence and Gary King prodded beyond Curtis Pond.

Chasetown regained the lead immediately with another Baker cross and debutant Cocks volleyed home at the far post despite Duggan’s attempts to keep it out.

Cocks kept the home side on the front foot and forced Duggan to flick the ball onto the crossbar after cutting in from the left wing.

Spalding were reduced to ten men in the 65th minute with Jamie Jackson sent off for a second yellow card for dissent.

Baker had an effort cleared off the Spalding line by Jordan Lemon.

The visitors almost scored a dramatic late equaliser with Layton Maddison striking the Chasetown crossbar in the 90th minute.