Chasetown FC’s four-match winning run came to an end with a bump, with a 4-0 reverse at Staffordshire rivals Newcastle Town.
It would be harsh to say that The Scholars were completely outplayed as there were times in the game where a bit of luck here or there would have got them back on level terms. But with individual errors at the heart of most of Newcastle’s goals, the hosts were worthy of their victory.
Newcastle took the lead as early as the fourth minute. Full back Cliff Moyo exposed the Chasetown left flank and was in acres of space as goalkeeper Ryan Price raced out from his goal to meet him. Moyo managed to get beyond the keeper but was blocked by Mark Branch, before the loose ball ran to Neville Thompson who steered the ball into an unguarded net.
Chasetown had a golden opportunity to level within five minutes. Gary Hay received a ball from midfield and was on the verge of going round keeper Steve Hodgson, who dragged the ball away and appeared to carry it outside his area, but neither the referee or assistant spotted any infringement.
Thompson flashed an effort wide midway through the half and then his team-mate Harry Clayton was convinced he had doubled the home side’s lead with a shot which rebounded off the underside of the bar, but the officials deemed the ball had not crossed the line.
Within a minute, Chasetown had hit the bar themselves with a Gary Hay cross, which again Newcastle scrambled clear before Craig Harris’ men could fire home the rebound.
The hosts ended the half on top with Price saving low to deny Clayton while Thompson blazed over from six yards when perhaps he should have scored.
Chasetown were the width of the frame of the goal away from a quick equaliser at the start of the second half with Hodgson well beaten by Andy Westwood’s shot which came back off the post.
The visitors resumed brightly and, on the hour, dozens of crisp, sharp passes throughout the whole team opened up the home defence before Dave Bate drove a shot narrowly over the crossbar.
But they were hit by a sucker punch as Newcastle increased their advantage in the 69th minute. Greg Downes conceded possession on the right and Paul Whalley broke quickly sliding the ball across to the far post where Thompson added his second from close range.
Six minutes later it was all over. Bate gave the ball away this time and a slide-rule pass put through Thompson who completed his hat-trick with a neat finish.
By this point, Newcastle were well in control and the Scholars only remaining chance was a Westwood header that Hodgson gathered comfortably.
With many Chasetown supporters already heading for the exit, Newcastle substitute Leon Ashman, who had replaced hat-trick hero Thompson, rounded off the home side’s victory.
Newcastle Town: Hodgson, Moyo, Wint, Ruddock, Carter, Lowe, Diskin (Harrison, 75 mins), Whalley, Thompson (Ashman, 84 mins), Clayton, France (Nicholls, 65 mins).
Subs not used: Askey, Bayley.
Chasetown: Price, Downes, Branch, Farmer, Bate, Teesdale (Slater, 38 mins), Westwood, Saunders, Wellecomme (Smith, 78 mins), Hay, Theo Robinson (Brown, 67 mins).
Subs not used: Jackson, Ashton.
Click below to see more of Dave Birt’s pictures of the game:
