Chasetown FC Reserves surrendered their 15 match unbeaten league record to second place Quorn Reserves at the Scholars Ground.
The visitors started the evening five points behind the hosts, fully aware an away win was the only outcome that could provide realistic hope of them winning the league.
It was obvious from the outset Quorn were anxious to re-kindle their title hopes. Their back four looked determined as Chasetown started on a positive note, trying to weave through.
Houghton fired over on three minutes and more Scholars attacks came as Stretton headed just over and Saunders’ determination enabled him to create space to fire narrowly off target.
Despite continued efforts to make roads inwards it was becoming clear that Chasetown were going to be restricted to long range shots by Quorn’s well organised rear guard.
The Scholars resorted to aerial bombardment, but numerous Stone and Stretton headers that have proved to be so successful all season also failed to find the mark this time.
Quorn were comfortably soaking up the pressure, always looking dangerous on the break – and they went in front on 33 minutes when Chris Baker won possession on the right of the box and squared to Nick Goold who made no mistake in front of goal.
Rock prevented Quorn doubling their advantage two minutes later when he showed great composure to rob Ben Easson who was through on goal.
Chasetown attempted to get back on level terms after the interval and saw Rock go close from 20 yards.
But as per the first half, the usually free-scoring hosts were unable to carve any openings against Quorn’s resolute defending. A Hawkins free kick on 61 found Stretton whose header from close range was gathered up by Simpson.
The Leicestershire outfit then applied some pressure of their own and on 65 minutes Mark Wiggins needed to be alert when he produced a diving save from Baker, following some slick football by the visitors.
It was Baker who was again looking dangerous three minutes later, motoring down the left flank and driving a cross into the danger area which was misjudged by the oncoming forwards .
Substitutes Theo Robinson and Nathaniel Jones injected some pace into Chasetown’s attack and allowed Andre Gonzales to switch to the right wing. He created a neat touch and turn before lining up Lee Parsons who saw a shot across goal from 20 yards flash inches wide.
The visitors were still mopping up everything and looking threatening on break aways. A last minute attempt to even things up from the home side saw a Stone header drift just over following a Hawkins cross.
Chasetown: Wiggins, Deakin, Stone, Stretton, Rock (Jones), Gonzales, Saunders, Hawkins, Parsons, Aiton (Robinson), Haughton. Subs not used: Black, Gould.
