Words: Ewan Murray, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY fell to a close 1-2 defeat at the hands of an impressive Manchester City XI in their final pre-season encounter on Tuesday night.
The game began with an onslaught of City pressure, however, in the 12th minute an Adam Blakeman free-kick was misjudged by Blues keeper Spike Brits, allowing Harvey Smith to arrive at the back post and head the ball into the empty net.
Despite the Magpies taking the early lead, City still heavily controlled the play and in the 19th minute an effort by striker Matty Warhurst from inside the box was deflected and bounced off the crossbar.
Just seven minutes later however, Warhurst’s luck would improve as he headed home a good cross from Divine Mukasa and the visitors found themselves deservedly level.
Just before half-time, Warhurst was involved again, this time a cross by Matty Henderson-Hall found him but he headed wide.
Chorley made some changes at the break; however, the momentum was still with the away side, with Ashton Muir coming close in the 54th minute following a give and go on the edge of the penalty area, his shot straight at Matt Urwin in goal.
The Magpies came close in the 67th minute to regaining the lead, with a pass by Joe Nolan finding Sonny Reeves inside the box, shot saved by Brits.
Eventually, the second goal came for the visitors in the 83rd minute, following some nice build-up play, the ball found Reigan Heskey on the left-hand side and his low cross was met by Justin Oboavwoduo to finish well inside the six-yard box.
Chorley will now switch their focus to the start of the National League North campaign, away to Darlington this Saturday.
