Words: James Ede, Image: David Airey
CHORLEY were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup by an impressive South Shields side who triumphed 4-1 at the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday afternoon.
A brace from Will Jenkins and goals from Paul Blackett and Daniel Dodds secured the Mariners’ place in the fourth qualifying round of the competition as Chorley struggled to contain the hosts.
Harry Ibbitson’s second goal in as many Emirates FA Cup games was not enough to force a comeback for the Magpies, who made five changes from last week’s 3-2 win over Macclesfield.
From the off, the hosts dominated proceedings with the ball and made Andy Preece’s side work hard for possession.
They opened the scoring after 19 minutes as Jenkins pounced on George Pratt’s headed clearance to fire high into Matt Urwin’s net.
It took just six minutes for their lead to be doubled, their leading goal scorer, Paul Blackett converted from the penalty spot after Pratt brought him down.
The Magpies struggled to create chances and home goalkeeper Jasper Sheik was left untroubled by the forward line.
The hosts’ control continued in the second half and, despite attacking changes from the visitors, they made it 3-0 in the 74th minute with Blackett turning provider for winger Daniel Dodds, who cut in from the right and finished into the bottom left corner.
Two minutes later, Ibbitson’s deflected effort gave Chorley hope of a fightback but the three-goal lead was soon restored by Jenkins, who finished from the centre of the box.
Full time brought an end to the Magpies’ FA Cup action this season and they will return to South Shields next Saturday when the sides meet for Enterprise National League North action.
