Alex Birch (words) & Stefan Willoughby (pics) at HQ
THE Magpies made it three unbeaten as they battled to a point against Alfreton Town at the Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium.
The first half saw plenty of chances created but both Matt Urwin and George Willis were in alert mood between the respective sticks.
Urwin a smart stop to deny Jordan Thewlis and then a brilliant high save to stop Bailey Hobson, as the visitors looked to turn the screw during their only real period of pressure in the match.
Chorley countered with a number of quick interchanges and combination play. Jon Ustabaşı went close twice early doors before the flying winger combined with Connor Hall to give Mike Calveley a good chance which hit the bar.
The second half was a much more turgid affair as the visitors retreated and looked to hold what they had. There were still chances to win the game, however.
Will Tomlinson saw an stinging effort blocked. Jack Sampson had a header from a Whitehouse corner saved. Then, in injury time, the best chance of the half off an Adam Blakeman corner was headed against the post by Calveley.
In the end, it just wasn’t to be.
Chorley Urwin (c); Smith, Wilson, Nolan, Whitehouse, Calveley, Tomlinson (Shenton, 81′), Sampson, Ustabaşı (Johnson, 81′), Blakeman, Hall. Subs not used: Leather, Britton, Barry.
Alfreton Willis; Clackstone, Preston, Cantrill (Branson (76′), Smith, Wiley, Thewlis, Lund, Rhead (c) (Denton (80′), Southwell, Hobson (Butterfield, 89′). Subs not used: Leak, Askew.
Man of the Match Billy Whitehouse
We created a number of good chance to win the game but we didn’t take them. You have to take your chances against Alfreton as they are a good side who set up to frustrate, and that’s what they did, especially in the second half – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) None | None
Cautions Sampson 41′, Calveley 90’+1 | None
Dismissals None | None
Officials Stuart Morland | Mark Bates & David Burton
Crowd 773
50/50 1st 3535 £47 | 2nd 3655 £28 | 3rd 3600 £19
Next Up
Another Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium outing – next Saturday against Boston United. The usual admission prices apply for this one – Adults £15 | Concessions £12 | 17-20s £7 | 12-16s £5 | Accompanied u12s FREE
