Thirteen is definitely not an unlucky number for Chasetown FC’s Reserve team as they stretched their unbeaten run to 13 games.
But there’s always an exception to the rule and in this case it was Jack Stone who was out of luck when he saw red for an off-the-ball incident spotted by the linesman.
Chasetown enjoyed the most possession during the early stages at The Moat Ground. When Gresley did break away Mark Wiggins was quick off his line to prevent David Williams breaking through.
This was followed by a second attack with Steve Dennahy heading over.
After Stone’s sending off, Chasetown re-grouped and successfully defended as Gresley attempted to take advantage of the extra man. Lee Stretton headed clear while Craig Deakin’s work rate was commendable.
On 33 minutes Dan Rock sent Andre Gonzales racing clear and his perfect low cross from the left was rocketed home from five yards out by 18-year-old Andy Westwood.
Andrew Dunn missed narrowly for the hosts with a left foot curler and Williams shaved the cross bar.
Justin Haughton’s attempt from outside the area on 43 minutes was just wide after a mix up in the Gresley defence.
Chasetown took control early in the second half with a polished performance that underlined their top spot credentials as Gresley’s keeper was forced into a string of saves. Haughton and Drew Aiton combined to test him on numerous occasions.
Jamie Hawkins rattled the upright from 25 yards and Max Black also went through to be denied.
Aiton was showing pure determination and his persistence paid off on 80 minutes with a superb solo effort. He left two defenders stranded on the byline before finishing hard and low in the bottom corner.
It’s now played 13, won 11 and two draws for the Reserves. Not to forget that last night’s venture concluded a run of fourconsecutive games on the road, scoring 14 and conceding only one.
Chasetown: Wiggins, Deakin (Jones), Stone, Stretton, Rock, Gonzales, Saunders, Westwood (Black), Hawkins, Aiton, Haughton (Gould).