THE best that can be said of this low-key UniBond First Division encounter from Chorley's point of view is that the Magpies showed enough resilience in defence to end a three-match losing run which has seen goalkeeper-manager Mark Molyneaux beaten twelve times.

The restoration of Ian Leather at centre-back ensured there would be no repetition of Saturday's F.A. Cup shambles at West Auckland and the home side were for the most part restricted to half-chances, despite enjoying periods of sustained pressure in the second half.

Both goals came in the space of a minute immediately before the end of a totally lacklustre first period.

Workington went ahead on 44 minutes when a Carl Sandford header struck Matthew Wright full in the face and fell kindly for Darren Wilson to sidefoot the ball over the line.

But almost at once Andy Mason won a corner for Chorley and Chris Patterson's well-flighted kick was met by Anthony Hogan who raced in to score with a firm downward header.

Lee Wilkinson was only just too high with a clever lob shortly after the break, then at the other end Molyneaux did well to finger-tip over a smart effort from Workington substitute Graham Goulding.

The Magpies later had a real let-off when Goulding, stretching to reach a Wilson cross, lifted his shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, however, the best chances fell to Chorley, David Eatock twice racing clear only to blaze high over on the first occasion and finish tamely on the second.

Chorley Runshaw, the Magpies' reserve side, extended their lead at the top of the Lancashire League with a 4-1 home win over Guiseley Reserves. The Magpies are unbeaten with four wins and a draw.

WORKINGTON...1

CHORLEY...1