Words: Pete Tscherewik, Images: David Airey
CHORLEY opened their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Longridge Town, securing the Mayoral Cup with a 4-5 victory on penalties at Inglewhite Road on Tuesday night.
The Magpies named a mixed squad on the night, blending a handful of senior players with trialists and youth prospects for their first outing of the summer.
In front of a crowd of just over 200 spectators, Chorley began brightly and looked sharp in possession during the early stages, a couple of half-chances falling to Sonny Reeves, but, the youngster failed to convert them into goals.
Pressure paid off shortly before the interval when Noel Brindle opened the scoring, converting a well-worked move to give Chorley a deserved lead at half-time.
The second half saw a more even contest, with Longridge growing in confidence and beginning to test the Chorley defence.
Kier Barry was called into action midway through the half and dealt confidently with a low drive to maintain the advantage. As the game entered stoppage time, Longridge found an equaliser following a swift counter-attack that was finished calmly in the 94th minute by Matt van Wyk.
Onto penalties the game went, where Chorley remained composed under pressure, converting all five of their penalties to secure a 4-5 win and claim the Mayoral Cup.
The Magpies will now turn their attentions to the second of many pre-season fixtures, away at Squires Gate this Saturday, a 3pm kick-off at the Brian Addison Stadium.
