Pete Tscherewik (words) & Stefan Willoughby (pics) at HQ
THE Magpies claimed a big three points on home turf, moving up to sixth in the Vanarama National League North with a 1-0 win over Banbury United.
Both sides started slowly with chances at a premium during the early going. Jack Sampson had the first real chance for either side, a looping header than Jay Williams cleared off the line.
The visitors then kept Matt Urwin busy until half time – Joe Iaciofano forcing a sprawling stop after Ben Acquaye hit the post from a corner, with the follow-up saved smartly down low by Chorley’s number one.
The hosts came out after the restart with much more about them and didn’t have to wait long to get their reward. Scott Wilson prodding home from close range after the ball fell into his path off a Sampson effort, following an initial free-kick by Adam Blakeman.
The goal forced Banbury to push on and leave gaps, which Connor Hall almost exploited; the league’s top scorer hitting the bar after winning a foot race with Jack Harding in the away goal.
Urwin then saved smartly from Alex Babos before a ridiculous 30 second spell in injury time saw the Puritans hit the bar and post, have two efforts blocked before a loose ball fell to Acquaye who smashed his effort once more against the bar.
When your luck is in, it’s most certainly in, as the Magpies played out the remaining three minutes for another home win.
Chorley Urwin (c); Henley, Smith, Wilson, Whitehouse, Calveley, Sampson (Nolan, 77′), Ustabaşı, Shenton (Leather, 90’+3), Blakeman, Hall. Subs not used: Tomlinson, Johnson, Scarborough.
Banbury Harding; Roberts, Langmead, Williams, Landers, Rasulo (c), Iaciofano (Costello, 70′), Acquaye, Radcliffe (Hickman, 85′), Maye (Johnson, 80′), Babos. Subs not used: Reilly, Taylor.
Man of the Match Scott Wilson
We rode our luck at the end of the game but otherwise I thought we were good value for the three points and it’s another hugely important win – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) Wilson 52′ | None
Cautions Calveley 22′ | Langmead 6′, Hickman 90’+2
Dismissals None | None
Crowd 985
HT Draw 1st 1950 (£62) | 2nd 1924 (£37) | 3rd 3096 (£25)
Golden Goal 52 minutes
Officials Harry Jones | Sam Parnaby & Mark Bell
Next Up
We make the short journey to Curzon Ashton next Saturday. Kick-off at the Tameside Stadium is 3pm, with on the gate admission set at £15 Adults; £10 65+/Students; £5 16-18s; FREE Accompanied u16s.
