A goal from debutant Danny Cocks proved decisive as Chasetown FC beat Spalding United to progress in the FA Trophy.

The Scholars enjoyed a bright start to their afternoon as they went in front inside the first quarter of an hour when a sumptuous cross from Chris Baker was powered home by the head of leading scorer Muzzy Nduna.

It took a world class save from Spalding keeper Michael Duggan to keep it 1-0. From a Cocks cross, Nduna’s diving header was clawed out with the ball seemingly past the keeper.

Duggan then denied Nduna again from close range, with an outstretched leg to keep the striker from doubling his tally.

But Spalding levelled with their first attempt at goal. A hopeful ball forward was missed by the Chasetown defence and Gary King prodded beyond Curtis Pond.

The Scholars regained the lead immediately with another Baker cross teeing up debutant Cocks who volleyed home at the far post despite Duggan’s attempts to keep it out.

Cocks was enjoying a fruitful debut and kept the home side on the front foot as he forced Duggan to flick the ball onto the crossbar after cutting in from the left wing.

Spalding were reduced to ten men in the 65th minute with Jamie Jackson sent off for a second yellow card for dissent.

Baker then had an effort cleared off the Spalding line by Jordan Lemon as the Scholars looked to make the extra man count.

However, the visitors almost scored a dramatic late equaliser with Layton Maddison striking the Chasetown crossbar in the 90th minute.