Chorley hit for seven

CHORLEY 2

INABILITY to defend against quick-moving attackers on a skidpan surface cost Chorley dear at Hurst Cross.

Title-chasing Ashton really turned on the style and repeatedly opened up a ponderous-looking Magpies defence.

Once Jamie Miller had opened the scoring after 10 minutes the result was never in doubt.

Craig Gomersall made it two on 18 minutes and five minutes later Chris Cornelly made it 3-0.

The Magpies twice went close as the interval approached, Greg Challender heading just over from a corner and David Eatock seeing a goalbound shot deflected wide.

Jeremy Illingworth put Ashton four up before Chorley got on the scoresheet a minute later from a Danny Mills penalty after Mike Wallace had been brought down.

Cornelly scored in the 54th minute and substitute Gary Hamlet made it six on 57 minutes.

Neil Matthews reduced the arrears with his first goal for Chorley, beating two men on the edge of the box before firing into the top corner of the net but Gomersall completed the rout late on.

In the UniBond League Chairman's Cup semi-final Chorley have been drawn at home against Premier Division club Barrow.