Words: Ewan Murray, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY left it late to seal a win in treacherous conditions in their 3-2 victory against Macclesfield FC at the Grant Store Victory Park on Saturday afternoon.
Seven minutes into the game the Magpies had a penalty, a handball by the Macclesfield captain Lewis Fensome, Craig Hewitt stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way and placed the ball into the left corner of the goal.
What followed was two offside goals by Silkmen striker Danny Elliott, the first there could be no complaints about, the second however may be seen as fortuitous for Andy Preece’s men, however the game remained at 1-0.
In the 33rd minute, Elliott found himself in behind in a good position, but his effort was fired just over.
Into the second half, in the 53rd minute the Silkmen got themselves level, the ball was given to Sean Etaluku on the right-hand side, he cut in onto his left and goes to cross, fortunately for him though it flew straight over Matt Urwin and nestled into the top corner.
Just past the hour mark and the Magpies had another penalty, this time Danny Whitehead brought Harry Ibbitson down in the box, up stepped Hewitt once again, this time he went the other way finishing well into the right corner, Max Dearnley sent the wrong way yet again.
18 minutes later, Josh Kay switched the ball to Etaluku, who drove towards goal and rifled a shot, which hit the inside of the post and unfortunately for him bounced out for a goal kick.
Then in the 85th minute Macclesfield found their equaliser, following a counter attack, which came from a huge penalty shout with a Kay challenge on Ibbitson which was not given, substitute Justin Johnson found himself through on the right hand side, his effort was caught in the now waterlogged goalmouth of the Magpies box, and was tucked home by Elliott.
Andy Preece’s side did not let their heads drop however, and deep into additional time they got their reward, a long throw from Adam Blakeman eventually fell to the feet of Harvey Smith who smashed his effort home to seal the victory for the Magpies.
Following today’s victory, Chorley will now turn their attention back to the FA Cup, this time in the third qualifying round away to South Shields next Saturday.
