Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY will hope to bounce back after their second defeat in a row when they host AFC Telford United this weekend.
The Magpies’ positive start to the season has stuttered by away defeats to Leamington and Curzon Ashton in the past week, but they will hope to return to winning ways back at Victory Park.
However, facing a Telford side who have won their last two games, Andy Preece and his team will have to be up for the battle.
Last Time Out
After their first loss of the season against Leamington at the end of August, the Magpies failed to pick themselves back up and were defeated by Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night.
Preece made four changes to his team with Jack Moore, Harvey Smith, Luke Summerfield and Craig Hewitt all coming in for Adam Henley, Mark Ellis, Joe Nolan and Billy Whitehouse.
Despite starting brightly and headers from both Warren Clarke and Sam Bird going close, the home side drew first blood in the 23rd minute.
A long goal-kick was flicked on by Jimmy Spencer for Brad Holmes to chase on to and he made his way through the defence before finishing under the legs of Matt Urwin.
Chorley responded well and were unlucky not to equalise shortly after as Tom Carr hit the post and Hewitt forced Callum Hawkins into a good save.
The Magpies dominated the play until half-time but were again denied by Hawkins who produced two incredible saves to keep Jack Sampson and Hewitt’s efforts out.
Shortly after the break, Summerfield drove forward with the ball and curled a left-footed attempt towards goal but it narrowly flew over.
However, despite the visitors’ many chances, the win was sealed in the 75th minute as Spencer made it two for the hosts.
A move down Chorley’s right side produced a cross into the box and, although Urwin saved the initial shot, the rebound fell to the Nash captain and he could not miss an almost-open goal.
The end result meant Preece’s team had lost for the second time in three days and dropped down to fifth in the table with 13 points from seven games.
Opposition Focus
Whilst the Magpies come into this weekend’s fixture off the back of a bad week, visitors Telford are unbeaten in three games.
Kevin Wilkin’s side won promotion to the Enterprise National League North last season through the Southern League Premier Division Central play-offs and, after picking up just two points in their first four games, have won their last two.
Six goals have come in their 3-2 and 3-0 victories over Peterborough Sports and Spennymoor Town at the New Bucks Head but they are yet to win on their travels this season.
Their summer signings included former Leicester City man and South African youth international Khanya Leshabela from Bedford Town and fellow midfielder Alex Fletcher from Tamworth.
Their top-scorer is currently Remi Walker, who has scored three goals this season and is heading into his third year with the Bucks.
The midfielder scored twice on Tuesday night to help his team to victory over Peterborough Sports after going one goal down.
Manager Wilkin joined the club in October 2022 after a seven-year spell at Brackley Town. The 57-year-old spent the majority of his playing career in non-league, although he did play in the Football League for Northampton Town.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s game will be the first meeting between the sides for over two-and-a-half years, stretching back to January 2023 when the Magpies won 1-0 at Victory Park.
Harvey Smith’s goal secured all three points for Chorley that day, although they were on the receiving end of a one-goal defeat to the Bucks on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign.
Match Details
Chorley vs AFC Telford United
Enterprise National League North
Saturday, September 6
3pm kick-off
Victory Park, Chorley, PR7 3DU
