Chasetown FC Reserves snatched a 2-1 home victory against Stratford Town to increase their lead at the top of division one to nine points.
Jonathan Gould netted the decisive goal of the day in the 78th minute. Earlier on he had also been involved in the action, making a goal line clearance when the visitors were on top.
In fact, the visitors enjoyed most possession and shots during the first half. Manager Bobby Hancocks fielded a much improved outfit to the side that suffered an 8-0 home defeat to the Scholars early in the season. Six of that original side played this time but along with the new faces came improved tactics and a game plan that restricted the flowing game preferred by the Scholars.
However, despite enjoying most of the play Stratford failed to penetrate Chasetown’s defence and were limited to mainly long range attempts by central midfielders Tom Brown and Matthew Wood.
Karabo Motsheloni just missed from outside the area after linking up nicely with David Bailey, who also fired wide from distance but Town’s best chances fell within a minute of each other. First Tabious Williams turned well and fired in a belter from the angle which Mark Wiggins instinctively palmed away. James Dykes’ resulting corner found Greg Binns unmarked but his close range shot was cleared off the line by Gould.
The Scholars came out for the second period more determined and they attacked from the kick off and on 51 minutes Theo Robinson was felled in the area. Lee Wright made no mistake with the spot kick to open the scoring for the hosts.
Jamie Aiton almost increased the Scholars’ lead when he used his arial power to rattle the bar with a bullet header from a Robinson free kick. Karl Edwards and Craig Deakin also narrowly missed as the Scholars had took command.
Town rallied again and their equaliser came on 65 minutes from Bailey after a fine touch and turn following a neat one two with Binns.
Within five minutes Bailey was being a menace again. He latched on to a through ball from Ross Holt and hit the upright with a golden effort.
Chasetown then became the dominant force once more as they went in search of another three points. Centre half Tom Hayes, was having an impressive debut as a replacement for the injured Jack Hulin.
Just as Town were breaking out of defence, Hayes pounced and stole the ball from Louis Guest before finding substitute Tom Lowe lining up on the edge of the area. Lowe considered shooting but then stalled, foiled his marker and squared to Gould who was rushing in from the left. Lowe’s lay off was inch perfect leaving Gould time to pick his spot and smash the Scholars into the lead.
In added time Wiggins was stretchered off after heroically diving amongst a barrage of eager Stratford boots that were lashing out to grab the equaliser. Through sheer determination he managed to push the ball through the melee and out for a corner before disappearing beneath a pile of bodies. Andy Penny had committed all three subs so Wood donned the green jersey. The corner was cleared by Courtney Sowe and referee Mark Winstone blew for full time.
Wiggins’ injury is not likely to be serious enough to rule him out of next week’s semi-final of the Staffs Senior Cup at home to rivals Burntwood Town.
Chasetown: Wiggins (c), Deakin, Sowe, Wood, Hayes, J Aiton, Gould, Brown (Darby), Edwards (Lowe), Robinson, Wright (Degville).
Goal Scorers: Wright 52, Gould 78. Subs not used: Birt, Hill.
