A new-look Chasetown FC side suffered an opening day defeat to last year’s runners up Shaw Lane.
There were no fewer than seven debutants in the Scholars line up as the hosts almost fell behind inside two minutes. Kieron Lugsden went round goalkeeper John Bateman but saw his effort cleared off the line by Matt Wood.
The Scholars lost left back Wood to a 12th minute injury and shuffled their line up to move winger Peter Till to right back with another debutant Matt Curley switching across to left back. Returning striker Ryan Wynter took a place on the right side of midfield from the bench.
Visiting striker Gavin Allott had an effort cleared off the line by Jack Langston as the Yorkshire men dominated.
It was no shock when Shaw Lane took the lead with a right foot shot from Allott low to Bateman’s left midway through the half.
Then, in the 41st minute, the lead was doubled with a Jonathan Wafula header going in off the post from a corner.
Chasetown got one back before half time after keeper Jon Stewart fouled Paul Sullivan. The Shaw Lane stopper received a straight red card and Jack Langston marked his debut with a low free kick that sub keeper Mateusz Zaniewski – who was booked for time-wasting as he took his time to enter the field of play – couldn’t keep out.
The Scholars forced their opponents back and Mitch Piggon twice went close before Nathan Rooney fired an effort into the side netting.
The 10 men were camped inside their own half and Piggon was inches away from an equaliser with Zaniewski beaten.
Wynter teed up goalscorer Langston with a late volley that Zaniewski parried as Dave Stringer’s men pushed for a leveller.
But with their first foray forward of the second half Shaw Lane caught their hosts on the counter attack and were awarded a spot kick that Allott converted as Bateman was sent the wrong way.
Chasetown: Bateman, Curley, Wood (Wynter, 12 mins), Slater, Ashman, Dance, Rooney, Langston, Piggon, Sullivan, Till. Subs not used: Kiembi, Ruff, Banks.