Despite the Scholars taking an early lead, visiting goalkeeper Adam Lane proved strong with four fine first half saves and his performance inspired the Midland Alliance men to come from behind, netting the winner with twelve minutes to spare.

The home side started brightly and were in front after only seven minutes when Ramone Stephens cut past Lane and passed to GRANT RYAN who side-footed the ball home.

Chris Deakin fired a cross straight at Ryan Price soon after, but an ominous sign for Chasetown came in the 15th minute when skipper Richard Teesdale departed with a knee injury and was replaced by Jack Hulin. The visitors were soon into attacking mode, Ashley Perry forcing Price to save at full stretch from distance before BEN HASELEY beat Hulin and John Branch to fire the equaliser past Price and into the roof of the net.

Stephens, Branch and Ryan tried their hardest to restore Chasetown’s advantage as they peppered Lane’s goalmouth forcing a string of fine saves, while Perry and Karl Wallis enjoyed chances for the Hayes.

Lane then impressed further as he blocked two chances from Gary Birch, saving the first with his legs, and Danny Edwards was also unable to beat the keeper as the Scholars hammered their opponents for the rest of the half.

Half time: Chasetown 1 Heath Hayes 1.

The first chance of the second period saw Birch head an Edwards cross wide, while David Waple hit the side netting after sending an effort over Branch and Hulin.

Stephens was still working hard for the Scholars but their opponents looked tough and determined, Peter Howell shooting wide on 69 minutes before Hayes took control following a goal kick on 78 minutes after Gavin Saunders shot wide. The action moved the length of the pitch with a cross from the right finding TOM BAGGOTT and he headed past Price to put the visitors ahead.

Ryan and Stephens led the push for an equaliser but no opening could be found, and Hayes could have made it three in the final minute but Price came out to block Waple’s shot.

Heath Hayes now get ready to face either Continental Star or Boldmere St Michael’s in round two, while Chasetown will look forward to Saturday’s home Evo-Stik League clash with Burscough (3pm kick-off).

Chasetown: Price, Farmer, Peel, J Branch, Saunders, Teesdale (c), Stephens, Parsons, Birch, Ryan, Edwards. Subs: Egan (Edwards 61), Jevons (Parsons 82), Hulin (Teesdale 15), M Branch, Deakin.

Heath Hayes: Lane, Maddox, M Waple, Howell, Tuck (c), Baggott, Perry, Wallis, D Waple, Haseley, Deakin. Subs: Bevan, Davis (Howell 71), Allen (Deakin 88), Lomas.

Goals: Ryan 7, Haseley 19, Baggott 78.

Referee: Mr C Taylor.

Attendance: 203