PREVIEW: Clitheroe (a)

CHORLEY enter the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy on Tuesday night with a trip to 8th-tier side Clitheroe.

The Magpies return to action shortly after the weekend’s dramatic 0-1 victory at Warrington Rylands in the Emirates FA Cup, sealing their spot in the third qualifying round of the competition.

Having not played in the LFA Challenge Trophy since the 2024/25 season, Andy Preece will want his side to return with a win.

Last Time Out

Saturday’s fixture at Step 3 outfit Warrington Rylands produced plenty of late drama for the travelling Magpies supporters, with a late penalty from Jack Sampson and stoppage-time saves from Li-Bau Stowell securing the win for Chorley, despite them ending with 10 men.

The visitors made it hard for themselves, playing the final 11 minutes plus added time with a man down after Jack Hazlehurst was sent off but they dug deep to come away with their ticket to the next round.

The hosts almost opened the scoring within the first few minutes of the game as Harrison Wood raced through to cross to Jawad Jebrin, but the Rylands’ number nine could not test Li-Bau Stowell.

Rylands were the dominant side for most of the first half, although there was lack of clear-cut chances for either team.

Hazlehurst was the visitors’ bright spark, causing problems down the Magpies’ right wing but along with his teammates was unable to trouble goalkeeper Luke Pilling.

Mike Calveley and Hazlehurst both came close in the opening minutes of the second half but the deadlock remained unbroken.

As the tension continued, Hazlehurst received his marching orders in the 79th minute for a second yellow card after a high foot towards his opponent.

Callum Rowe forced Pilling into an excellent save low down and then in the 87th minute the Magpies were given their opening when Lewis Salmon was brought down inside the penalty box.

It was not to be without dramatics though as Sampson’s initial penalty was saved, only for the referee to order for it to be retaken.

Chorley’s number nine did not waste the second chance and sent Pilling the wrong way in front of the travelling supporters to win the game for the Magpies.

Seven added minutes kept the pressure on the defence and it was down to Stowell who excellently tipped wide one effort before keeping out Adam Caddick’s free-kick with a combination of the crossbar and his back.

Eventually the full-time whistle came to book Chorley’s spot in the next round of the competition, prevailing in a tight game.

Opposition Focus

Tuesday night’s hosts Clitheroe will hope to cause an upset against Andy Preece’s Chorley in the LFA Challenge Trophy.

The Blues currently sit eighth in the Northern Premier League Division One West after six games, having picked up 12 points.

It is an improvement so far on last season’s 15th place finish, which saw them survive relegation by eight points.

They are managed by former Accrington Stanley midfielder Sean McConville, who took over from Jimmy Bell in December 2024 after previously holding a player/assistant manager role.

In 12 seasons at Stanley across two spells, the 37-year-old made over 400 appearances and won League Two, and also played for the likes of Stockport County and Chester.

He took Clitheroe to the fourth round of the FA Trophy last season before they eventually lost to Step 1 side Scunthorpe United.

Their cup run saw them beat four sides from higher divisions in Ashton United, Stockton Town, Chester and soon-to-be National League champions York City.

Tuesday’s game could see former Magpies Harry Scarborough face his old club, having come through the academy before featuring 14 times for the Chorley first team.

Head-to-Head

The two sides’ last meeting against each other was a 3-2 LFA Trophy final win for the Magpies in 2018 at the home of Bolton Wanderers.

Matt Jansen’s team prevailed thanks to goals from Luke Burgess, Dale Whitham and Delial Brewster, which sealed the club’s 18th LFA Trophy.

Chorley also beat the Blues in the final of the same competition in 2015, with Andy Teague, James Dean and Chris Almond scoring in a 3-0 win for Garry Flitcroft’s men.

Match Details

Clitheroe vs Chorley

Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy – First Round

Tuesday, September 22

7.45pm kick-off

The Loom Loft Stadium, Clitheroe, BB7 1LZ