IMPROVING Chorley made it seven points from three games in a hard-fought UniBond First Division encounter on Humberside.

A draw was a fair reflection of a match in which the Magpies were the more dangerous in the first half and the home side finished the more likely to snatch a winner.

New manager Mark Molyneaux fielded two new signings, both from his old club Trafford, left-back Paul Varley and the experienced Darren Emmett, both of whom made an eye-catching debut.

A bumpy playing surface did not help either side and ruined several moves.

Even so, Chorley missed a number of chances in the opening half-hour, notably when from an excellent Varley cross Andy Mason nodded the ball down for David Eatock who blasted high.

But the Magpies did enjoy an interval lead, Lee Molyneux beating Paul Sharp with a lob from just outside the box in the 44th minute.

On the resumption, the unmarked Mason headed over from Scott Bradford's inviting centre before North Ferriby equalised on 57 minutes.

Paul Farley's speculative shot from a tight angle seemed to bounce awkwardly as Marsh went down for it at his near post and both keeper and ball ended up in the net.

Danny Mills wasted a great chance to restore Chorley's lead, firing high over after Sharp had spilled a hurried back-pass, but then on 71 minutes the Magpies' midfielder set up a goal for substitute Ian Barker with a glorious through ball which the striker drilled low into the net.

The lead lasted just six minutes before the home side scored the goal of the game.

Lively striker Vill Powell, receiving the ball with his back to goal, executed the neatest of turns to flash an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Only a smart interception by Varley prevented Powell from lining up another strike and as North Ferriby finished strongly it was Varley who popped up again to clear from the goalmouth when Adam Lowthorpe's shot flew past Marsh.

This was not as good a performance by Chorley as that in midweek at leaders Harrogate but they can be pleased with another point which surely all but secures their place in the First Division.

CHORLEY were set to entertain Gretna today (ko 3pm).

NORTH FERRIBY UTD...2

CHORLEY...2