Paul Sullivan celebrates his goal. Pic: Dave Birt
Chris Slater blocks a shot. Pic: Dave Birt
Chris Slater blocks a shot. Pic: Dave Birt

Chasetown FC goalkeeper John Bateman was the hero with a string of fine saves to keep revitalised Kidsgrove Athletic at bay.

Twice, the stopper denied midfielder Will Bailey and former Scholars winger Jordan Johnson.

At the other end, Francino Francis had a header cleared off the line by Kidsgrove’s Paul Donnelly.

Chasetown took the lead midway through the half when striker Paul Sullivan unleashed a shot from outside the area which gave goalkeeper Ben Chapman no chance.

Within a minute though Athletic were level with an equally stunning Johnson effort that flew beyond Bateman from outside the box.

Sullivan also hit the outside of the Kidsgrove post while Francis thought he had headed Chasetown the winning goal from a Lee Butler corner but the effort was inches wide.

Chasetown: Bateman, Thompson, Edwards, Slater, Francis, Brown (Hayden, 85 mins), Butler, Davies, Waite (Wint, 79 mins), Sullivan, Rankin (Gould, 58 mins). Subs not used: Griffiths, Haynes.

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