Michael Williams puts his opponent under pressure. Pic: Dave Birt

After a draw between Chasetown FC and Goole a week ago this game was billed as another close encounter – but the Scholars will wonder how they didn’t win this one by more.

Michael Williams puts his opponent under pressure. Pic: Dave Birt
Michael Williams puts his opponent under pressure. Pic: Dave Birt

The opening minutes were tight with the first chance falling to Jed Davies, who cut in from the left and drilled an effort just wide of the post.

Chasetown had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Stan Mugisha prodded the ball beyond goalkeeper Dan Waring who appeared to hold back the Scholars striker, but the referee waved the appeals away.

The keeper can't prevent Jed Davies' effort from finding the net. Pic: Dave Birt
The keeper can’t prevent Jed Davies’ effort from finding the net. Pic: Dave Birt

Simon Brown’s shot was palmed onto the crossbar by Waring as the Scholars finished the first half the stronger.

They even had time to break the deadlock in the opening period as Davies’ free kick from 20 yards finally beat the Goole keeper, flicking off his right hand post to give Chasetown the lead.

The Scholars were a whisker away from a second goal when Davies’ cross was headed an inch wide by Paul Sullivan just minutes after the restart.

Sullivan then forced Waring into a great save before the visitors hit the frame of the goal for the third time as Davies’ corner kick deceived everyone and clipped the top of the bar.

Chasetown continued to dominate but the cushion of a second goal eluded them. Davies almost added his second with a goal bound header that defender David Taylor hooked off the line.

Central defender Chris Slater made his 396th league appearance in this game, drawing level with Andy Cox’s all-time league record and is now just two appearances from equalling the all-time total – also held by Cox – of 535 games.

Chasetown: Bateman, Williams, Thompson, Slater, Eze, Brown, Washbourne (Robinson, 76 mins), Dance, Mugisha (Kiembi, 81 mins), Sullivan, J Davies. Subs not used: Francis, Birt (not used).