Words: Ryan Jacobs, Images: David Airey
CHORLEY came out on top in the Vanarama National League North playoff eliminator on Tuesday evening, Mark Ellis’s 84th goal the difference between the two sides on the night.
In the opening moments of the game, it was a tight and cagey affair, but once the Magpies settled into the match, Chorley took control.
Following an outswinging cross from Adam Blakeman, Mark Ellis rose above the rest and saw his header cleared off the line by Josh Hmami just ten minutes into the game.
Five minutes later, the ball fall kindly to Blakeman on the edge of the box who whipped it low and around the Linnets players, but Paul Jones did well to make a fine stop.
From the save, Blakeman delivered a superb cross, which Scott Wilson met and flicked onto the back post, with Ellis a whisker away from putting the ball in the back of the net.
On the half-hour mark, a looping ball saw Ellis attempt a high flick header, which found its way toward goal. Jones eventually gathered after dropping it on the first attempt.
That would be the final chance of the half for the Magpies, who had work to do in the second-half.
Like the opening 45’, Chorley came out strong in the opening stages. However, the visitors came close after a goalmouth scramble saw King's Lynn hit the post through Hmami from close range.
On the hour mark, Chorley replied with a perfectly weighted pass by Courtney Senior, which sent Tom Carr in one-on-one with Jones, but the goalkeeper came out on top this time.
Then, six minutes before the 90th minute, a moment of magic; Blakeman playing a smart ball from a free-kick to Kole Hall, who drove it hard and low across the box, Scott Wilson connected sweetly, forcing Jones into a fine save, but Mark Ellis was there at the far-post to tap home the rebound.
Six minutes were added on, but Chorley held firm to earn their place in the semi-finals away at Scunthorpe United on Saturday.
