Words: Pete Tscherewik, Image: David Airey
HARRY Ibbitson grabbed the only goal at the Cleric Stadium to see Andy Preece's Chorley through to the next round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
On an afternoon where Andy Preece rotated his side, it was Craig Hewitt who looked the liveliest early on, trying to push the game towards the hosts. That said, the opening exchanges were scrappy, with both teams struggling to settle.
The first half-chance fell to Tom Walker, who headed over from an Adam Blakeman long throw that caused real problems for Congleton’s defence.
The visitors continued to hold their own throughout much of the first 45 minutes, limiting Chorley to few clear-cut chances while finishing the half with a spell of attacking intent—though without truly testing Matt Urwin.
The first meaningful save of the game came from Congleton’s David Parton, who got down smartly to deny Harry Ibbitson after the striker slipped in behind and looked to pick out the far corner.
Chorley finally broke the deadlock on 58 minutes. A goalmouth scramble saw Parton make a save and then a punch, only for the ball to fall kindly to Bradford City loanee Ibbitson, who pounced from six yards to give Preece’s side the lead.
Congleton pushed for a response and tried to put Chorley under pressure, but they struggled to carve out anything to trouble Urwin. The game became increasingly stop-start, with a flurry of yellow cards, but the Magpies managed proceedings well and saw things out to book their place in the next round.
Attention now turns to Monday’s third qualifying round draw, where Preece and his squad will discover their next opponents.
