Simon Brown flicks the ball on. Pic: Pamela Mullins
Simon Brown flicks the ball on. Pic: Pamela Mullins
Simon Brown flicks the ball on. Pic: Pamela Mullins

An entertaining end to end game saw honours even at a wet Coles Lane – the fifth consecutive draw between Chasetown FC and Sutton Coldfield Town in the league.

The home side took the lead after three minutes when a cross was turned into his own net by Scholars debutant Daniel Parker under pressure from Danny O’Callaghan.

Chasetown levelled five minutes later when home keeper Lee Evans made a great double save at his near post but was powerless to deny Nathan Waite who fired home at the third attempt, following an initial cross from the right by Lee Butler.

The Royals regained the lead before half time when Danny O’Callaghan’s shot was tipped onto the post by Chase keeper John Bateman but unluckily saw the rebound strike him and cross the line for the second Scholars own goal of the night.

Grant Beckett slides in to clear. Pic: Pamela Mullins
Grant Beckett slides in to clear. Pic: Pamela Mullins

Chasetown were bright at the start of the second half and deservedly got their second equaliser 18 minutes from time. Waite levelled with a low right foot shot which zipped across the surface beyond Evans’ left hand after a throw-in was flicked on at the near post.

Lee Downes, who is quickly developing a reputation for a fierce shot, fired a whisker over the cross bar with Evans struggling to get across.

Sutton were reduced to ten men when Phil Male was red carded. Lee Butler curled the resultant free kick inches wide of the post.

Craig Harris’ men peppered the goal with free kicks and crosses looking to get the winner but the Royals held firm. In fact, it was the hosts who probably had the best chance to steal all the points when Reece Leek headed straight at Bateman from close range.

Sutton Coldfield Town: L Evans, Gonzales, Jackson, Deakin, Tunnicliffe, Male, Leek, Donohue (Turton, 67 mins), Beckley (Sheldon, 67 mins), O’Callaghan, Richards (A Robinson, 72 mins). Subs not used: Milligan, Taylor.
Chasetown: Bateman, T Evans, Beckett, Slater, Parker, Downes (Ravenhill, 90+1 mins), Butler, Parsons, Waite, Brown, Edwards (Theo Robinson, 69 mins). Subs not used: Dallison, Lees, Pond.