Chasetown FC Reserves continued their positive start to the season with a 9-1 whipping of third place Gresley FC at The Moat Ground.
The Scholars were swiftly into their stride, ruthlessly exploiting flaws in the Moat Men’s defence, notching up a four goal advantage within 19 minutes.
Only nine minutes into the proceedings and David Bridgwater’s clinical finishing rewarded Chasetown two early goals. His brace set the platform for the Scholars’ second successive victory on their travels and a most memorable away day.
Hope briefly appeared for Gresley when Jamie Newbold blasted over on 13 minutes but it was to be their only chance of the half as the visitors continued to dominate.
The Scholars counter attacked from the subsequent goal kick. Chad Degville-Cross accelerated down the left flank and crossed for Karl Edwards to head powerfully downwards. Luke Hemmingway reactively parried into the path of Theo Robinson who made no mistake from close range.
When Chasetown increased their tally to four after 19 minutes a cumulative double figures total didn’t seem unrealistic. Jonathan Gould sent Robinson hurtling into space and his cut back was inch perfect for Karl Edwards to blast home.
Andy Penny’s side were now brimming with confidence and eased off the gas for the remainder of the first period, enjoying long spells of possession.
Late in the half Marcus Shepherd produced a brave run, intent on giving Gresley a fighting chance. But good defending from Jamie Aiton diverted him off track to send the visitors in four goals to the good.
Gresley were fully aware they were up a certain creek without a paddle and they deserved credit through trying to lift themselves before the restart. A centre circle team hug was followed by a vocal rally in a brave attempt to raise spirits.
However, Edwards dashed all hopes, stealing the limelight in the second period. Good work from Robinson on two separate occasions set the former first team regular on his way to an impressive hat-trick, finding the net twice within two minutes.
The rut continued and it was Robinson’s turn to claim a brace as he latched on to a defence splitting pass from Gould and fired beyond the reach of Hemmingway.
Matthew Wood’s determination in the centre of the park was reaping dividends. Substitutes Max Black and Drew Aiton both tested the keeper but it was another sub, Daniel Westwood, who got Chasetown’s eighth on 74 minutes with an excellent first time finish.
Gresley produced a late spell of good play and Marshall Golaub forced a brilliant reactive save from Dale Faultless. A few minutes later the embarrassing whitewash was prevented with the consolation goal coming from defender Darryl Towel’s 30 yard cross-turned-shot.
But there was more pain for the hosts when, with a minute left on the clock, Black claimed the ultimate goal of the massacre.
Chasetown: Faultless, Degville-Cross, Hulin, J Aiton, Sowe, Gould, Hands (Black), Wood, Edwards (D Westwood), Robinson, Bridgwater (D Aiton).
