Alex Birch (words) & James Harrison (pics) at Blackwell Meadows
THE Magpies produced their best performance of the season to take three points off top-of-the-table Darlington at Blackwell Meadows.
The main talking point of the first half centred around the decision to yellow card Matt Urwin after referee James Bancroft deemed the keeper had handled outside his area while challenging Kaine Felix. The resulting free kick from livewire winger Jack Lambert was hammered into the wall.
It was the best chance the hosts created, with the visiting Magpies offering up decent half chances for Joe Nolan and Jon Ustabaşı in a fast-paced opening 45 minutes.
There was a confidence to Chorley’s play as the second half began, and within 13 minutes they led. Top scorer Connor Hall nipping in front of defender and keeper to prod home after he’d chested down a cross from the left.
The expected onslaught from Darlington didn’t materialise, with the Magpies looking more likely to add a second. Ustabaşı was a continuing menace down the left flank – the flying winger shooting over and forcing a save from Taylor in quick succession.
Then, with 11 minutes to go, Ustabaşı got through again. His shot was saved, again, by Taylor, but Hall was on hand to tap home the loose ball from two yards for his 16th tally of the season.
Jack Sampson’s late third, a beautiful sweeping finish after Smith had controlled a Blakeman corner to set him up, was the icing on the cake of a brilliant display.
Darlington Taylor; Sukar, Lawlor, Hedley (Almond, 66′), Moke (c), Hazel, Lambert, Beck, Purver, (Liddle, 66′) Griffiths (Mondal, 79′), Felix. Subs not used: Rose, Martin.
Chorley Urwin (c); Henley, Smith, Wilson, Nolan, Whitehouse, Calveley, Sampson (Shenton, 90’+3), Ustabaşı, Blakeman (Johnson, 85′), Hall (Scarborough, 90′). Subs not used: Tomlinson.
The best performance of the season and a thoroughly deserved three points. We’ve beaten a very good top of the table side, away from home while keeping a clean sheet. It doesn’t get much better at this stage of the season – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) None | Hall 58′ (Blakeman), Hall 79′ (Ustabasi), Sampson 83′ (Smith)
Cautions Lawlor 27′, Liddle 90’+2 | Urwin 17′, Blakeman 47′
Dismissals None | None
Crowd 1,727
Officials William Davis | Jan Suchecki & Macauley Gibson
Next Up
A midweek journey over to Buxton on Tuesday (7:45pm). Tickets on the gate for this one (cash/card) – £15 adults | £10 Concessions | £5 16-21s | £2 5-15s | FREE u5s.
