Words: Ryan Jacobs, Photos: David Airey
AFTER two games in quick succession, we're prepped and ready to host League One play-off finalists Bolton Wanderers.
With only a handful of games left to go in the pre-season, we're eagerly anticipating the start of our season in the National League North for 2024/25.
Saturday saw a youthful Chorley XI come out on top away at Euxton, winning 2-3, and before that, a goalless draw against Wigan Athletic at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium on Friday night.
Bolton Wanderers had a campaign to remember last year, finishing the season in an impressive third place.
However, they came agonizingly close to the automatics into the Championship, finishing behind Derby County by just five points before ultimately falling to a defeat at Wembley to Oxford United.
The Opponents
A common theme for our opponents in the EFL is the number of signings they have all made.
Ian Evatt's side have signed four players to date, including experienced midfielder Scott Arfield.
Luke Southwood from Cheltenham has also made the switch to Bolton, which will add good competition to the number-one spot in goal with former Chelsea academy graduate Natah Baxter, who had a good campaign for the Trotters.
Furthermore, one of Bolton's best results last season came at home when they were 7-0 winners against Exeter City, which would put them at the top of the table at that point in the season.
The Manager
Ian Evatt will be looking to take the Wanderers one step further next season and bring them back to the Championship after they fell short in the last campaign.
Evatt has had a short stint in management so far, managing only two other teams before the Trotters: Barrow (2018-2020) and Chesterfield (April 2018- May 2018).
However, since he took charge of Bolton in 2020, he has guided them back to League One, finishing third and getting the all-important automatic place.
Since then, there has been a slow but promising process under his reign. Finishing ninth in their first season back in League One in the 2021/22 season and would progress each season.
As well as slotting into fifth place the season prior to finishing third, Bolton have made progress since the appointment of Evatt.
A word from Preecy
"First of all, we're really grateful to Bolton for agreeing to play this fixture with us. We had a game against them here a few years back, a great crowd and a great workout that night - hopefully tonight will follow suit.
We've had a great pre-season so far, this will probably prove to be our sternest test of all of our games and we're looking looking forward to it."
Ticketing information
- Adults - £10
- Concessions (65+) - £8
- Under 18s - £5
It is highly advised to purchase tickets in advance, online, directly from our ticketing platform linked HERE.
Our ticket office will be open from 5pm where both cash and card are accepted.
Those wanting carers tickets / adult concessions (NHS, Police, Fire & Armed Services) can only purchase in person on matchday, directly from our ticket office with valid proof of ID when provided.
Match Details
- Turnstiles open - 5pm.
- Team news - 6:30pm.
- Chorley vs Bolton Wanderers kick-off - 7:30pm
Our postcode is PR7 3DU, for those of you making the journey over.
We hope you'll join us for what promises to be a spectacular evening under the lights at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium on Tuesday night!