Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY finished the 2025/26 season with a 2-1 win over Worksop Town as Matt Urwin bid farewell to the Magpies after nine years with the club.
Harvey Smith and Max Wilson’s first-half goals were enough for Andy Preece’s side to end the campaign with three points at the Grand Store Victory Park Stadium.
The visitors started off as the stronger side, with winger Lewis Whitham having three efforts on goal, forcing Urwin into two excellent saves in his last game for the Magpies.
Lalkovic, looking to continue his good form against the Tigers, almost opened the scoring for the home side but saw his shot bounce back off the post after a silky run.
Having said that, Chorley did take the lead in the 37th minute after good pressure on the visitors.
With the ball bouncing around the box, Harvey Smith managed to turn it into the bottom corner for his third goal of the season.
The hosts’ advantage was doubled on the stroke of half-time through Max Wilson, who capitalised on a defensive mistake to slot past Worksop keeper Lewis Forshaw one-on-one.
Worksop pulled a goal back early in the second half, Whitham converting a penalty after Sam Bird brought down his man inside the box.
Lalkovic went close again twice with two efforts both curling towards the top corner, one going over and one hitting the corner of the bar.
With a few minutes left, Andy Preece gave Urwin the chance to soak in the adulation from the Magpies fans one last time, shaking hands with all his teammates before being replaced by Steven Drench, who himself was making his 500th career appearance.
There was still time for the hosts to nearly add a third, but after brilliant play from Max Wilson, substitute Sonny Reeves was unable to get a shot away in time before a Worksop defender caught up to him.
The full time whistle eventually came, bringing an end to Chorley’s 2025/26 season, as well as captain Matt Urwin’s Magpies career.
Andy Preece’s side ended the campaign in 15th place and will return in August to embark on another season in the Enterprise National League North.
