Chasetown FC Reserves’ victory against local rivals Tipton Town concluded a fantastic seven day period for Mark Swann’s grafters.
They kicked off a memorable week with a 7-0 romp at Brocton before lifting the Staffs Challenge Cup in midweek. But it was this win which could prove decisive, even though the league campaign is only halfway through its run.
The points leave Chasetown two points clear at the top of Midland Combination with a game in hand, along with the added sweetener that both games are completed against the fellow title contenders from Tipton.
The Scholars were in front after nine minutes. A Jamie Hawkins free kick found the head of Jack Stone at the far post. He directed the ball into the danger area for Lee Stretton to volley home.
A familiar pattern was forming as Stone continued his aerial threat and found Stretton again who almost grabbed a second from close range.
Tipton fought back and their good passing movements nearly prevailed when Warren Brookes struck the crossbar from the edge of the box.
Chasetown continued to be dominant in the second period and on 62 minutes lively substitute Max Black chipped the Tipton rearguard to put Drew Aiton in the clear. He complimented Black’s chip by calmly lobbing the keeper into an empty net.
Tipton fought back but failed to break down the confident Scholars urged on by the influential Gavin Saunders.
On 75 minutes Tom Tonks almost narrowed the deficit when he rocketed a long range free kick against the bar.
When Tipton did break through, Mark Wiggins was called into action to make a brilliant save low to his right from Seb Craven.
Despite the hosts’ efforts, the Scholars still looked likely to score with attempts from Black and Andy Westwood.
Chasetown: Wiggins, Deakin, Stone, Stretton, Hulin (Gonzales), Jones, Saunders, Westwood, Hawkins (Black), Aiton, Haughton. Subs not used: Gould, Rock.
