Andy Penny’s reign as Chasetown FC reserve team manager got off to a flying start as the Scholars banged in five second half goals at Austrey Rangers.
In the opening minute home keeper Aaron Thompson saved from a Mark Potts shot but most of the early exchanges were shared as both teams tested each other.
Things started to open up after 20 minutes as Potts forced another save from the impressive Thompson. At the other end Rangers’ Jordan Taylor blasted over and Tom Palmer went close from distance.
Chasetown continued to mount attacks through midfield duo Adam Langley and Kieran Robinson who were supported by attacking full-backs Rob Dainty and Chad Degville.
Lively Jonathan Gould produced a looping header which Thompson scooped away and then flashed a shot wide five minutes later.
But despite the visitors’ attacking intent, the hosts responded brightly and broke the deadlock when they were awarded a penalty after Ian Miles was pushed down. Stephen Hollingsworth stepped up to convert with a well placed shot into the bottom right hand corner.
Degville and Daniel Westwood tried to even things up for the Scholars but the Rangers defence stood firm as they exited the half a goal to the good.
Chasetown came out all guns blazing in the second half and the Rangers’ rearguard started capitulating after a brave fight.
When Lewis Taylor-Boyce opened the Scholars account with the equaliser on the hour the floodgates opened.
Taylor-Boyce notched his brace with a fine forty yard solo run after he latched on to a perfect through ball from Matty Breeze.
Penny’s troops continued to press and Karl Edwards celebrated his return to Chasetown by claiming a double in just ten minutes.
Despite Chasetown’s dominance, Austrey did muster a chance of their own which forced Mark Wiggins into action, stretching to save from Miles.
The Scholars were now running riot with both strikers hungry to complete hat-tricks. However, it was Westwood who tricked his way into open space on 86 minutes and slotted home number five from close range.
By the time the final whistle blew the Austrey’s under 21 side were jaded but deserve full credit for putting on a brave display.
Chasetown: Wiggins, Dainty (Duckhouse), Hulin, Corbett, Gould (Potts), Langley (Westwood), Robinson (McDonaugh), Breeze, Potts (Taylor-Boyce), Westwood (Edwards).
