Words: Pete Tscherewik, Images: Pete Tscherewik
CHORLEY continued their pre-season campaign with a professional 2–0 victory away at Leek Town on Tuesday night. Goals from Mark Ellis and Milan Lalković secured a well-earned win for the Magpies, who produced a controlled and composed display at Harrison Park.
Andy Preece's side came out of the gates quickly, Mark Ellis forcing a stop out of the goalkeeper with his prodded effort after an initial flick into his path by forner Leek Town player, Tom Carr.
The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening stages and soon found their breakthrough on 14 minutes. Ellis, ever reliable at the back, showed his attacking instincts with a strong header via an Adam Blakeman. The goal set the tone for a confident performance, with the Magpies looking assured both on the ball and in their defensive work.
Milan Lalkovic very nearly doubled the Magpies' lead on the stroke of half-time, only to be denied by a fingertip save from his free-kick.
Matt Urwin remained largely untested in terms of outright saves in goal for Chorley, with one stellar stop on 73 minutes the most notable of a handful.
Chorley’s positive play continued throughout the second-half, and it was to be Lalkovic who doubled the lead, finishing off a well-crafted move with a dinked effort over the on-rushing goalkeeper.
With another solid result under their belts, Chorley will look to carry this form into their upcoming training camp over in Alicante, starting this Friday.
