With several key players injured and cup-tied, the Scholars were perhaps destined to struggle slightly but they put in plenty of effort early on although Rushall’s attacking style prevailed in the end.

A fast-paced start saw plenty of end to end action early on, Chasetown breaking through in the eighth minute but keeper Chris Gemmell cleared before they could shoot, before making a fine save for a corner. Rushall’s first chance came courtesy of Craig Bannister but his shot was wide.

Chasetown keeper Mariusz Kisiel palmed away Luke Bottomer’s attack on 15 minutes before Richard Teesdale saw a shot blocked at the other end, Scott Lycett sending the follow-up over the bar from a tight angle.

The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute when former Scholar Alex Melbourne latched onto a through ball from Bottomer and fired beyond Kisiel into the empty net.

On 32 minutes the Pics doubled their lead, Craig Bannister breaking through the Chasetown defence and rounding Kisiel to slot calmly home.

Lee Wright came close to pulling one back for the Scholars moments later but his effort was somehow twice cleared off the line by the Pics defence as were several more attempts from the hosts following a couple of corners.

Rushall were still in attacking mode in the second half, Melbourne just denied by Kisiel at the near post on 50 minutes, but five minutes later Bottomer made it three for the Pics with a 25-yard screamer which left Kisiel with no chance.

The visitors did not let off the pressure despite their lead, Bannister going close on 70 minutes but firing over the bar under pressure from Teesdale, but in the closing stages they added a fourth when an attack down the right drew Kisiel out of his area and substitute Kyle Brady had little trouble in rounding Jack Farmer and slotting home.

Chasetown: Kisiel, Farmer, M Branch, Lycett, Turner, Teesdale, Wright, Bridgwater (Westwood, 60 mins), Smith, Downes, Pitt

Other Sub: Birt (not used)