Words: Ewan Murray, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY put in a magnificent performance on Saturday afternoon to win 2-3 away at Darlington despite playing the majority of the game with ten men.
Andy Preece’s side had the first real chance of the game in the ninth minute, as a smart first time pass by George Horbury found Milan Lalkovic; his shot well saved by Pete Jameson.
Despite this, it was the home side who struck first in the 12th minute, as their captain Scott Barrow found Will McGowan on the edge of the Magpies’ box and the midfielder gave the ball to Cedric Main with his back turned to goal, Main turned and finished well into the bottom corner.
Just two minutes later Darlington had a chance to double their lead with a shot by Jack Maskell being deflected onto the post and eventually dealt with by Matt Urwin.
Chorley broke back in the 29th minute, where following some good play by Lalkovic, a through ball by Warren Clarke found Tom Carr in the box who slotted the ball past Jameson in goal to make it one goal apiece.
However, ten minutes later Lalkovic was sent off following an altercation with Barrow and Chorley found themselves a man down.
Darlington capitalised right on the stroke of half-time, when a cross by Barrow was stopped by Adam Henley, who was seemingly fouled when attempting to clear his lines, the ball fell kindly to Will Hatfield to then finish into the far corner.
The second half saw an immense performance by the Magpies, kickstarted by an Adam Blakeman corner in the 52nd minute, which was volleyed home by Jack Sampson deep into Darlington’s box, 2-2.
In the 70th minute the comeback was complete, following a good run by Carr down the left-hand side he was fouled. Blakeman put yet another wicked delivery into the box, which eventually fell to Scott Wilson, who finished excellently to put Chorley ahead.
Harry Ibbitson almost made it four in the 81st minute, after a great run through the Darlington half into their penalty area, he checked back onto his left foot and his shot trickled wide of the post.
The host’s main chances of the second-half came late on, hitting the post in the 89th minute with a shot deflecting off their own player almost drawing them level.
However the Magpies held firm, and will now turn their attention to next Saturday’s game against Chester at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium.
