Pete Tscherewik (words) & Stefan Willoughby (pics) at HQ
THE Magpies produced an excellent second half display to knock back the challenge of playoff rivals Hereford on a cold night at HQ.
Chorley started the better of the two teams with some good early pressure but Matt Urwin was first called into action, saving spectacularly from Ryan Lloyd’s 10-yard effort.
Tyrone Barnett and Ryan McLean had chances before half-time, the latter twice going close, and the visitors were arguably unfortunate not to have a goal for their efforts going in at the break.
The Magpies came out for the second half with real attacking intent and Jon Ustabaşı picked up from where he left off on Saturday at Spennymoor, unleashing a fierce effort off Adam Henley’s cross that flew past Dino Visser before the Hereford keeper could move.
Barely a minute later the home side found themselves two to the good, Connor Hall slotting home his 19th league goal of the season after Ustabaşı had his initial effort saved.
The Bulls continued to push for a way back into the game but Urwin continued to star in goal, this time saving at full-stretch from Miles Storey’s shot. The game was won by this point, however, as Andy Preece’s side went on to secure a vital three points in the playoff race.
Chorley Urwin (c); Henley (Johnson, 75′), Smith, Wilson, Whitehouse, Calveley, Sampson (Scarborough, 75′), Ustabaşı, Shenton, Finney (Blakeman, 67′), Hall. Subs not used: Leather, Nolan.
Hereford Visser; Thompson-Sommers, McLean, Lloyd (c) (Holmes, 80′), Amadi-Holloway, Storey, Hanson, Barnett (Jarvis, 80′), Andoh, Egan, Latty-Fairweather (Hodgkiss, 50′). Subs not used: Lilly, Campbell.
Man of the Match Matt Urwin
It was just the result we needed. The lads dug really deep tonight and got a deserved victory for their efforts – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) Ustabaşı 51′ (Henley), Hall 53′ (Ustabaşı) | None
Cautions None | None
Dismissals None | None
Crowd 732
HT Draw 1st 3813 (£39) | 2nd 3859 (£24) | 3rd 3796 (£15)
Officials Michael Crusham | Jamie Waters & Majid Ali
Next Up
Back on the road – this time he head south for Kettering Town on Saturday (3pm). Pay on the gate at Latimer Park – £15 Adults | £10 Concessions | £2 u18s
