WITH the two teams having drawn a combined total of 26 matches prior to this one, another stalemate was very much on the cards, and so it proved in a lacklustre end of season exercise.

Chorley's point owed much to defensive diligence as they created few openings against a well drilled Workington, who looked more incisive in their neat approach play.

A poor first half offered its only excitement in the opening minutes when Chorley keeper Simon Marsh spilled Mark Green's powerful free kick but reacted quickly to smother Andrew Douglas' follow up.

The tempo and goalmouth incident belatedly increased after the interval and from Tony Gaffey's deep cross Adam Critchley beat the keeper with an angled looping header only for a defender to boot clear off the line.

Brian Dawson then squandered a great chance for Workington, completely missing his kick in front of goal from an inviting right wing centre. Chorley in turn had strong claims for a penalty rejected when Barry Irving appeared to handle a Critchley cross.

Workington's late introduction of substitute Graham Goulding could easily have turned the game their way. He made several dangerous runs and was unlucky to see a cracking angled drive deflected just past the far post. He then teed up Matt Henney but Marsh rushed out to block his shot.

The Magpies almost snatched victory in the closing minutes when substitute Paul Allen released Matt Swailes but keeper Gary Hoggeth was well positioned to hold on to his rising drive.