Nathan Waite restores Chasetown's lead. Pic: Dave Birt
Paul Sullivan fires Chasetown in front. Pic: Dave Birt
Paul Sullivan fires Chasetown in front. Pic: Dave Birt

Chasetown FC dented Lincoln’s play off prospects with a late winner to earn all three points in an entertaining end to end game – extending Manager Marcus Law’s unbeaten start to 8 matches in the process.

The Scholars took an eighth minute lead when a Nathan Waite effort was blocked by goalkeeper Rob Peet and Paul Sullivan reacted quickest to steer home the rebound – his eighth goal in his loan spell and the fourth consecutive game in which he had scored.

Chances were few and far between in a stop-start first time but, after the sides drew 0-0 three weeks ago, the game was finely in the balance.

Waite almost double the home side’s advantage at the start of the second period with a fierce shot that deflected off the top of the Lincoln crossbar. Then, Sullivan struck the Lincoln post with a right footed effort just short of the hour with Peet wrong-footed.

Chasetown again went close to adding to their lead with a shot that was deflected over, and then Lincoln’s skipper Michael Jacklin made a sensational block to deny Waite.

Against the run of play, Lincoln were awarded a penalty when Chase skipper Chris Slater tripped Andy Hutchinson, with Danny Brooks converting the spot kick beyond John Bateman, low to the keeper’s left with Bateman guessing the right way.

The visitors then had a sustained period of pressure – their first in the game – but perhaps deservedly, the hosts caught United on the break and Sullivan slipped the ball to an unmarked Waite who steadied himself and shifted the ball past a retreating defender and Peet before firing the ball into an empty net – his 17th goal of his debut season at The Scholars Ground.

Lincoln rallied, desperately searching for an equaliser, even sending Peet up for corners, but Chasetown held on to stretch their record to 5 wins and a draw in 6 league games.

Chasetown: Bateman, Beckett, Stuart, Slater, Francis, Grayson, Griffiths (Antonio, 66 mins), Davies (Smith, 71 mins), Waite, Sullivan, Edwards (S Brown, 71 mins). Subs not used: M Brown, Haynes.

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