Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY will aim to return to form with tonight’s home game against struggling Leamington at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium.
Andy Preece’s side were beaten 0-1 by Phil Brown’s Peterborough Sports at the weekend, with Max Booth’s early goal proving to be the winner.
The Magpies will head into tonight’s game as the favourites though, with Leamington in 24th place in the Enterprise National League North.
Last Time Out
Saturday’s fixture saw Chorley fall to their second successive defeat at home, leaving them in 15th and 10 points off the play-offs, albeit with two games in hand.
With Mark Ellis and Scott Wilson ruled out against the Turbines due to suspension and injury, Mike Calveley deputised in the middle of defence alongside Harvey Smith.
The visitors got their early goal through Booth in the 12th minute, the forward capitalising on a mix-up in defence.
Booth tested Matt Urwin shortly after and Joe Nolan had the Magpies’ best chance saved by Peter Crook, a header from Max Wilson’s cross.
Taelor O’Kane forced Crook into a save in the second half before the referee waved away claims for a penalty on Nolan after a coming together with Charlie Hickingbottom.
Smith came close twice towards the end, with Calveley also heading over the bar, but the Magpies were unable to find a way past the Sports defence.
Opposition Focus
Leamington arrive at Victory Park with just 17 points from 25 games, sitting 12 points from safety at the bottom of the league.
Long-time boss Paul Holleran left the club in December after 16 years in charge, with Chris Knott taking over as interim manager.
Knott is still in charge, with the club yet to appoint a permanent successor to Holleran.
A 2-1 win over Curzon Ashton 10 days ago at the New Windmill Ground was a boost for them, with Tim Berridge scoring a 94th-minute winner.
The Brakes can call upon the experience of Theo Streete, Adam Walker, Joe Clarke and Josh Quaynor, while central midfielder Ewan Williams leads the way for goals this season with four.
Head-to-Head
Leamington have got the better over the Magpies recently, winning both encounters in 2025.
The Brakes won their home game 1-0 in August and also picked up a 3-2 victory in Warwickshire last March.
Kole Hall and Adam Blakeman scored for the Magpies that day, while a brace from loanee Danny Ormerod gave Chorley a 2-1 win in November 2024.
Match Details
Chorley vs Leamington
Enterprise National League North
Tuesday, February 3
7.45pm kick-off
Victory Park, Chorley, PR7 3DU
