Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY make their third away trip in four weeks as Andy Preece’s side travel to Derbyshire to face tenth-placed Buxton.
The Magpies were overall disappointed with just a point at home to lowly Oxford City last Saturday but had Adam Henley to thank for earning them a point with his 90th-minute equaliser at Victory Park.
John McGrath’s Buxton side will pose a tricky test for Chorley, with the Bucks unbeaten in all competitions since the start of September and having recently made it to the first-round proper of the FA Cup.
Last Time Out
Last Saturday saw a mix of emotions for Chorley as defender Henley rescued a 3-3 draw with them at home to Oxford City.
Preece made just one change from the previous week’s 2-0 defeat at South Shields as Luke Summerfield replaced Joe Nolan in midfield.
A slow start to the game was broken by Tom Scott’s opener in the 16th minute as the forward fired past a wrongfooted Matt Urwin from the edge of the box.
Urwin, playing his 350th match for the Magpies, superbly stopped Josh Parker’s one-on-one opportunity but defender Johnson made it 2-0 shortly before the break, heading home from Josh Ashby’s freekick.
Preece moved to a 4-3-3 formation after half-time and his side began to dominate the game.
Harry Ibbitson pulled a goal back after 57 minutes, poking home from close range following Mark Ellis’ header back across goal on the defender’s 100th appearance for the club.
Then, in a quick six minutes, both sides found the back of the net to make it 3-2 to the Hoops.
Jacob Roddy crossed for Scott to tap home for his second of the day before Parker’s foul on Ellis gave Craig Hewitt the chance to step up from the penalty spot.
The winger converted in style, firing into Sam Lewis’ top left corner for his third goal from the penalty spot in his last four games.
Central midfielder Taelor O’Kane, making his debut for the Magpies after signing on loan from AFC Fylde, impressed after coming on at the break but time seemed to be running out for him and his teammates.
However, with referee Jack Churchill’s watch about to tick over into added time, up stepped Henley to rifle home from inside the area and secure a point for his side.
Seven minutes of added time produced no further goals and Chorley walked away with a well-earned draw after their second-half display.
The point left them sitting fifth in the table with 20 points after 11 matches, climbing ahead of Spennymoor Town on goal difference, with the Moors in FA Cup action.
Opposition Focus
This weekend’s hosts will be in good spirits after beating Runcorn Linnets 1-0 last Saturday to qualify for the FA Cup first round proper.
The Derbyshire side faced a challenge away at their 8th-tier opposition but secured a dramatic victory with Luke Brennan’s 92nd-minute finish.
John McGrath’s side have also been in good form in the league, winning two and drawing one of their last three games.
2-1 and 1-0 victories at home to Oxford City and Darlington came either side of a 2-2 draw on the road at Kidderminster Harriers and have put the Bucks into 10th place, sitting just two points off the playoffs with a game in hand.
Their squad contains former Scottish Premiership and Football League defender Zaine Francis-Angol and ex-Manchester City academy striker Tai Sodje, who signed for McGrath’s side this summer after being released by the Premier League club.
The 22-year-old is the Bucks’ top-scorer with six goals in nine games, closely followed by Brennan who has five in 10.
They signed several additions from EFL clubs this summer, with goalkeeper Joe Young and midfielders Oliver Greaves and Ryan McLean all joining from League One or Two sides.
McGrath is into his second season with the club, having been appointed in May 2024 after eight years managing Mickleover.
Head-to-Head
Last season saw both sides win at home in the two encounters between the teams.
The Magpies cruised to a 3-0 victory at Victory Park in February thanks to goals from Mark Ellis and Mike Calveley, as well as an own goal.
The return fixture in April a narrow game won by Connor Kirby’s first-half goal.
Match Details
Buxton vs Chorley
Enterprise National League North
Saturday, October 18
3pm kick-off
The Tarmac Silverlands Stadium, Buxton, SK17 6QH
