REPORT: Chorley 1-0 Needham Market

October 12, 2024
REPORT: Chorley 1-0 Needham Market
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Words: Ryan Jacobs, Images: David Airey

IT was a wet, windy and slow start to the game at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium, but it would be an excellent goal from Craig Hewitt, that would secure all three points for the Magpies on Saturday afternoon.

The opening phases of the game were slow as both teams battled out the horrible conditions as the rain hammered down, however, Andy Preece’s side settled into the game quickly.

Twenty minutes in, Mike Calveley would test the Needham Market goalkeeper, getting the ball on the edge of the box before striking it across the skiddy surface, which Marcus Garnham matched.

Momodou Touray then had a chance to put us infront on the half-hour mark.

The striker turned well before firing a shot low in the six-yard box. However, Garnham was there again to deny the Magpies.

Just four minutes later, there would be controversy, with Needham Market playing a backpass, which Garnham would pick up.

Touray picked the ball up quickly before laying it off to Adam Blakeman, who tucked it away. However, the ref ruled it out.

Blakeman then took the indirect freekick, where he laid it off to Hewitt, who smashed it low and home to give Chorley the lead in the 35th minute.

Craig Hewitt celebrates the winning goal for the Magpies (David Airey)

After the second half got underway, Chorley would come close to a second.

Blakeman's corner was whipped onto the head of the ever-present Mark Ellis, and his powerful header was cleared off the line.

Then, just after the hour mark, Scott Wilson would get close.

Wilson would flick a cross on and somehow the Needham Town keeper got a strong enough hand to keep it out.

Touray then picked up the ball and played it back to debutant Dubem Eze, who had his strike deflected wide.

From then on, Chorley would look after the ball and create half-chances, while Needham Market would have a last-gasp chance at the end.

Valentine's long ball to the back post was headed back to goal, but Matty Urwin expertly saved it.

A massive three points at home that sees Andy Preece’s side move up to second in the Vanarama National League North table.

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