Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at home to league leaders South Shields on DAZN.
Jack Sampson’s finish quickly cancelled out Middlesbrough loanee Sonny Finch’s early opener and neither side could find a further goal in a strong performance from the Magpies.
Preston North End loanee Max Wilson came close to opening the scoring from Warren Clarke’s cross but the youngster was unable to test Tom Watson in the Mariners’ goal.
The visitors made the hosts pay, going straight up the other end of the pitch and finishing through Finch in the 12th minute.
Andy Preece’s side responded excellently however and were level four minutes later.
Wilson made amends with brilliant footwork to fashion a chance for Sampson, who turned the ball in from close range to make it 1-1.
The Magpies did not let their foot off the gas, seeing Jack Moore’s freekick thunder into the Shields crossbar before Taelor O’Kane, Owen German and Wilson all had opportunities in a frantic spell.
Both sides grew frustrated with the referee’s decisions in the second half, with Matthew Swift being booked in the dugout and Mike Calveley also penalised for a challenge on his opponent.
Wilson continued his excellent performance, running at the South Shields defence relentlessly, whilst Sam Bird backed up his impressive substitute appearance at the weekend with another good showing.
Harvey Smith almost gave the Magpies the lead but saw his header cleared off the line, before Harry Ibbitson fired into the side netting after coming off the bench.
Smith was again denied, this time by keeper Watson who palmed away his header.
At the other end of the pitch, Paul Blackett, scorer of 22 goals so far this season, scuffed a golden opportunity just yards out from goal.
A late burst from the Mariners threatened to give them the win but the Magpies held out, despite seeing Calveley sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.
Both teams had to settle for a point after a thrilling encounter, which sees Chorley remain in 14th place but move a point closer to the play-offs, with the gap now 10 points.
