Paul Sullivan netted his second hat-trick in just over a fortnight as Chasetown FC progressed into the quarter-finals of the Doodson Sport League Cup with a 3-1 win against Barwell.
After a dusting of snow in the morning and persistent drizzle and rain throughout the 90 minutes, it was great testament to the ground staff that the game started and finished, with their hard work rewarded with a fifth consecutive Scholars victory.
Craig Harris’ men had to do it the hard way though as Northern Premier side Barwell forced goalkeeper Danny Watson into an early fine save from the right book of Tyrone Kirk and then the Leicestershire side took the lead just after the half hour.
Luke Barlone sprinted clear and was clipped inside the box by Watson with the referee pointing straight to the spot. Thankfully for Watson the official only deemed the challenge worthy of a yellow card and Barlone took the kick himself to give Barwell the lead.
Astonishingly, it was only the second goal Watson has conceded in five Chasetown games, both of which were penalties with the 35-year-old yet to concede a goal in open play in his Scholars career.
After the break though, it was only a matter of time before the confidence of four straight wins turned the home side into match winners. Just three minutes into the second half, Jack Farmer slipped the ball into Sullivan, who had a lot to do but turned sharply and fired beyond Liam Castle.
Chasetown took the lead just after the hour when Sullivan timed his run to perfection and lobbed Castle with the cutest of chips inside the keeper’s right hand post.
Three minutes later, Sullivan had his third match ball of his short Scholars career after earning a free kick on the edge of the area for handball. Lee Butler ran over the ball and Sullivan’s right-footer struck the ball into the wall, but when the rebound fell to him, his drilled shot went through what remained of the wall and squirmed under the body of Castle.
Castle then beat away a Butler shot at the near post, while Watson made two fine saves to deny Barlone and substitute Nigel Julien.
Chasetown now await the quarter-final draw which could see the Scholars drawn against the likes of FC United of Manchester, Witton Albion, AFC Fylde and Stamford.
Chasetown: Watson, Farmer, Beckett, Bennett (Halsall, 76 mins), Tesfa Robinson, Teesdale (Slater, HT), Butler, Bragoli, Wellecomme, Sullivan (Gould, 83 mins), Stephens. Subs not used: Evans, Price.
Barwell: Castle, Edwards, Young, G Hadland, Hood, Brehon, Kirk, S Hadland (Julien, 65 mins), Barlone (Leek, 80 mins), Weale, Cain. Subs not used: Lower, Collett.
Click below to see more of Dave Birt’s pictures from the game:
