The Newcastle keeper can only look on as Lee Downes' shot finds the net. Pic: Dave Birt
Chasetown equalise as Nathan Waite finds the net. Pic: Dave Birt
Chasetown equalise as Nathan Waite finds the net. Pic: Dave Birt

Chasetown FC came from behind to beat Newcastle Town in the FA Cup and earn a tie at Rugby Town.

It was down to some heroic defending that the Scholars even gave themselves a chance of still being in the competition at all, as goalkeeper John Bateman made a succession of first half saves to ensure the visitors weren’t 4-0 up at the break.

His efforts – including an 11th minute Ben Mills strike which was flicked onto the crossbar – meant it was only 1-0 to the visitors, and that goal came in the 27th minute after Bateman had made a great save from Neville Thompson but was unable to keep out the rebound from Mills who stabbed home from close range.

Bateman made another good save at the start of the second period to again keep the deficit to just one goal and then Chasetown’s game transformed dramatically.

In the 52nd minute, Simon Brown’s corner was neatly headed home at the near post by Nathan Waite leaving Adam Alcock no chance at his near post.

Lee Downes takes aim to put Chasetown in front against Newcastle Town. Pic: Dave Birt
Lee Downes takes aim to put Chasetown in front against Newcastle Town. Pic: Dave Birt

Chasetown almost took the lead within two minutes of pulling level. A ball from the back saw Nick Wellecomme rise well ahead of the goalkeeper, but saw his flicked header diverted narrowly wide.

The home side were now dominant and Craig Harris’ men took the lead when a Todd Evans cross from the right fell invitingly to Lee Downes who smashed a first time volley into the roof of the net.

Newcastle had one golden chance to equalise late on and force the game into extra-time, when Bateman saved from Jordan Cole and the follow up shot from Mills was superbly cleared off the line by Evans.

Chasetown will now progress to play Rugby Town on September 13.

Chasetown: Bateman, Evans, Ravenhill, Slater, Johnson, Downes, Brown (Edwards, 77 mins), Parsons, Wellecomme, Waite, Davies (Butler, 69 mins). Subs not used: Moore, Dallison, McDonald, Bottomer, Pond.
Newcastle Town: Alcock, Askey, Bridge (Gordon, 75 mins), Ashman, Dickin, Lowe (Osbourne, 90 mins), Urwin, Cole, Mills, Sanders, Thompson. Subs not used: France, Mellor.

Click below to see more of Dave Birt’s pictures from the game: