PREVIEW: Scarborough Athletic (h)

CHORLEY return to Victory Park this Saturday, looking to build off of their first win of the season in midweek against Marine.

The Magpies impressed in Crosby; Callum Rowe and Mike Calveley on the scoresheet in a dominant win against Bobby Grant’s side.

Saturday’s visitors, Scarborough Athletic, have started the season well, having won 3-0 at home against Spennymoor Town on Tuesday night.

Last Time Out

Tuesday’s win at Marine was a welcome win, and a thoroughly deserved one at that.

The first goal of the night came within the opening 90 seconds, as Callum Rowe curled a sweet free kick low around the wall and it nestled into the bottom left corner, catching the keeper off guard.

Andy Preece’s side got their second in the 27th minute, following a Max Hunt long ball. Defender James Abankwah got his header all wrong, and Calveley pounced on the loose ball and battled extremely well to keep it under pressure, eventually managing to get half a yard of space and placing his effort brilliantly into the bottom corner.

The Magpies had a chance for a third in the 63rd minute, when a Jack Moore corner found Harvey Smith’s head in the box, he saw his shot travel just over the bar.

Marine were pushing for a goal back late on, but Li-Bau Stowell was eager to keep his clean sheet, and he did so in fine fashion, with a great save deep into second half stoppage time preventing James Potter from point blank range.

Opposition Focus

Saturday’s visitors have started the season really well, with a win against Spennymoor Town in midweek (3-0), and an unbelievable comeback to beat Hednesford Town 3-4, having been 3-1 down.

Jono Greening’s side had a fantastic campaign last term, with the manager nominated for the Manager of the Season accolade. Andy Preece revealed after the Marine game in midweek that he thought that Greening should have won it.

The Seadogs will be back on their home turf again this season, and, looked to have built on their squad from last season, with Luke Hall and Mo Fadera signing, and making an immediate impact. Rio Allan is another play to keep an eye out for this weekend.

Head-to-Head

Both encounters between the sides last season ended in draws.

A goalless affair at Bridlington back in March, and before that, 2-2 at Victory Park; Adam Blakeman and Tom Carr for the Magpies, and two for Stephen Walker for Boro, who now plays for Yeovil Town.

Match Details

Chorley vs Scarborough Athletic

Enterprise National League North

Saturday, August 22

3pm kick-off

Grant Store Victory Park Stadium, Chorley, PR7 3DU