Words: Ryan Jacobs, Images: James Harrison
CHORLEY were forced to share the spoils against Hereford at the Grant Store Victory Park on Saturday afternoon. A first-half goal from Adam Blakeman put the Magpies in-front, but a late equaliser from Ahkeem Rose salvaged a point for the visitors.
The Magpies started the game well, with chances coming early from goalscorer Blakeman. The fullback took a freekick from just outside the box, which was whipped around the wall but just went the wrong side of the post.
Andy Preece’s men didn’t let up after the free-kick. After some good build-up, Tom Carr was able to chest the ball down to Kole Hall, who dragged his effort wide on the half-volley.
Hereford began to grow into the game after Chorley's momentum in the opening minutes, Scott Wilson was forced to make a last-ditch tackle against Andy Williams.
At the 20-minute mark, Craig Hewitt, who was already causing trouble for the Bulls, put a wicked ball across the box to Carr, but his effort was just wide.
Just before the half-hour mark, Joe Nolan was able to brilliantly find Blakeman, who confidently ran onto the ball and, with his weaker foot at around 25 yards out, found the bottom corner, beating the big arms of Aaron Chapman.
Adam Blakeman opening the scoring for the Magpies. (James Harrison)
Unlike the first half, the opening minutes of the second were much slower. With both teams trying to find their feet again, Chorley came out better.
Blakeman yet again got a free-kick in a dangerous position and hit the side-netting. The fullback was having brilliant game.
After an hour, the Magpies got another chance when a cross was whipped in from the left hand side which then fell on the head of Mark Ellis who couldn’t steer the header home.
After two changes from the visitors, Hereford seemed to have grown more into the game, with Ahkeem Rose getting on the end of a ball across the six yard box he got the Bulls level just shy of the 80th minute.
From then on, the momentum was with the Bulls. Montel Gibson put a brilliant ball across, but thankfully for Chorley, nobody was there to meet it.
At the 84th minute, disaster struck when Adam Henley brought down his man and a penalty was awarded.
However, super Matt Urwin rose to the occasion and denied the visitors all three points with a huge save down to his right, denying Andy Williams.
Goals: Blakeman (29'), Rose (79').
Bookings: Horbury (69'), Henley (83'), Robinson (89'), Blakeman (90+4'), Gibson (90+4').
Dismissal: Henley (84').
Chorley: Urwin, Henley, Ellis, Wilson, Blakeman, Nolan (Bird, 87'), Calveley, Horbury, Hewitt, Hall, Carr (Touray, 74').
Attendance: 1,300.
UP NEXT: We're back at home to take on Scarborough Athletic, this Tuesday, a 7:45pm kick-off.
