Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY take a break from Enterprise National League North action as they host Worksop Town in the second round of the FA Trophy.
The Tigers sit four points behind the Magpies in the league after winning promotion from Step 3 last season and will pose a tough test for Andy Preece’s side, who are looking for their first win in 10 games.
Chorley reached the fourth round of the competition last year before suffering defeat to Forest Green Rovers so will hope to reach the same stage this season.
Last Time Out
Chorley will want to follow on from their deserved point at Radcliffe last Saturday, which saw Altrincham loanee Lucas Weaver, who has since been recalled by his parent club, net a brace, including an added-time equaliser.
Preece switched his formation to three at the back to match the hosts and the Magpies surprised the Boro by dominating the opening proceedings, although several chances went missing.
However, Weaver made sure the visitors took the lead by firing in following a headed clearance in the 19th minute for his first goal for the club.
After Callum McFadzean had a goal for the home side ruled out for offside, Chorley continued to test them and went into half time with a well-earned lead.
Shortly after the break, the hosts were allowed to take a free-kick further forward than where they were fouled, ultimately leading to them winning a penalty which was slotted in off the post by top-scorer Rio Clegg.
Jordan Hulme then gave them the lead by heading past Urwin 10 minutes later.
Chorley continued to fight hard and the attacking trio of Jack Sampson, Tom Carr and Weaver combined well despite struggling to find an equaliser and having two penalty shouts turned down.
Time did not run out though and, as the clock ticked past the 90th minute, Carr played in Weaver down the left and he curled the ball past Mateusz Hewelt to level the score.
The point meant the Magpies dropped down to 13th but it was a much better performance with plenty of positive signs for Andy Preece and his team.
Opposition Focus
Worksop Town head to Victory Park after two away defeats in a row to Oxford City and Darlington.
Their 2-0 loss at the RAW Charging Stadium on Saturday left them with 18 points from 17 games, just three points clear of the relegation zone.
They won promotion through the NPL Premier Division play-offs last season, defeating Guiseley in the final in May.
Their squad includes Latvian midfielder Aleksandrs Starcenko and former National League winner Luke Waterfall.
Experienced attacker Liam Hughes is their current top-scorer with seven goals in 16 games and has been part of the Tigers’ squad for two promotions in the past three years.
Manager Craig Parry took over in May 2020, when the club were in Step 4, having previously been at Pontefract Collieries, who he also played for alongside Barnsley, Halifax Town, Bradford Park Avenue, Goole and Garforth Town.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between the sides was over a decade ago – a 1-0 win for the Magpies at Victory Park in March 2014 thanks to a goal from Keil O’Brien.
Match Details
Chorley vs Worksop Town
Izuzu FA Trophy
Saturday, November 15
3pm kick-off
Victory Park, Chorley, PR7 3DU
