The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

It’s been something of a frustrating start for Chasetown in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League as they adapt to life at their highest ever position in the non-league pyramid.


The season began with their first ever trip to Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, and though the Scholars fell behind after half an hour Gary Hay found an equaliser six minutes later. A battling performance from the side looked set to hold things level, but Tom Greaves scored the winner for Avenue in the final minute.


The home programme opened on Tuesday night as Marine made their first visit to the Scholars Ground, bringing with them some very vocal supporters. Chances were at a low level as both sides cancelled each other out with some tough defending, but manager Charlie Blakemore admitted that his charges had been “caught napping” at the start of the second half. The very first attack following the whistle saw Jamie Rainford – Marine’s leading scorer from last season – pick up a free kick before turning and firing past Ryan Price. Dean Perrow looked to have found an equaliser with two minutes to go from Chris Peel’s corner, but referee Rob Ellis disallowed the goal for a handball in the box, and Perrow was given his marching orders two minutes later for dissent.


Ellis was involved in a bizarre incident in the 56th minute when he collided with Scholars defender Gavin Saunders, and play was held up for several minutes while both received treatment. The man in black was able to continue, but Saunders was substituted after suffering a cut to his forehead.


Saunders will thankfully be in the squad for Saturday’s match against FC Halifax Town, but Dave Egan misses out through suspension and Chris Slater is again absent with a knee injury. The Scholars have also this week added goalkeeper Oliver Crutchley to their squad, the 26-year old joining from CPA Holy Name FC after he impressed in a pre-season game for Chasetown.


The reserve side are also in action this Saturday, as they visit Barwell in the Midland Combination Reserve Division, while it has been a busy start to the 2010-11 season for the club’s youth squads.


The young guns began their Midland Floodlit Youth League season with a 2-0 win at a wet Loughborough Dynamo last Thursday, Matt Botley and Jack Millgate the men on the mark. On Monday the Scholars triumphed 4-1 away at Brocton reserves, Jordan Archer scoring a double while Zach Cogger and Aaron Gaur also found the target, while conditions were again poor for Wednesday’s match against Bedworth United, the Scholars again winning 2-0 with Dan Scragg and Andy Westwood the scorers. Forthcoming youth fixtures see trips to Leigh Genesis next Tuesday, and to Dosthill Colts on Thursday evening.


The focus is now firmly on Saturday’s first team match at the Scholars Ground against FC Halifax Town, the reformed ex-Football League club making its maiden visit to the Scholars Ground as Chasetown look for their first league points. Fans travelling to the game are advised that extra parking will be available at Chasetown Specialist Sports College, a short walk from the ground.