THIS second home defeat in the space of four days is a bitter blow to Chorley's early-season hopes of mounting a serious challenge for promotion from the UniBond First Division.

The Magpies held the upper hand in the first half but frittered away chances to establish a bigger lead by half-time than the one goal scored midway through the opening period.

And when Ossett got their act together after an interval pep-talk, Chorley hardly mustered a serious shot in reply.

Lee Wilkinson had the ball in the Ossett net in the opening minutes only to be ruled offside.

Then Darren Emmett, following a cleverly- worked corner, brought a terrific save out of Lee Bracey diving at his near post, the former Bury keeper then reacting quickly to recover and palm out Dean Butterworth's header from the rebound.

Chorley deservedly went ahead after 21 minutes when the unmarked Wilkinson cracked home a shot on the turn after receiving from a throw-in.

It should have been two-nil when Butterworth was sent clear by Wilkinson but poor control allowed the keeper to gather and then Bracey saved smartly again as Ian Bold drilled in a fierce low drive following a short free kick.

The second half was a completely different story. The Magpies were increasingly pinned back and it was no surprise when Ossett equalised on 63 minutes, Craig Boardman netting with a bullet header from a corner.

Poor defending at another corner nine minutes later led to Simon Fuller scrambling the visitors' second goal.

After that, Chorley's attempts to level lacked conviction, Ian Barker heading badly off-target from an Emmett free kick and a speculative swerving shot from Butterworth being saved at the expense of a fruitless corner.

The injured David Lowe's strength in midfield was badly missed and on the evidence of the last two games the signing of a goalkeeper with greater physical presence in the box ought to be made a priority.

CHORLEY...1

OSSETT TOWN...2