A GLORIOUS late strike by recently out of touch front man Ian Barker brought Chorley a deserved share of the spoils from a real humdinger of a contest in atrocious conditions.

If the two teams could not be separated, the afternoon did produce one clear winner - the Victory Park playing surface - which soaked up everything the elements could throw at it to allow a full blooded encounter spiced with skilful football.

Ashton, one of the division's most improved teams, quickly dented the Magpies' hopes of completing a league double over their visitors. Jamie Miller gave United a seventh-minute lead with a header into the top of the net from a corner quite incorrectly awarded by an eccentric referee who later refused Chorley the clearest of penalties when Paul Allen was brought down as he bore in on goal.

As play switched rapidly from end to end, Neil Mitchell spoiled a tricky run by firing straight at Ashton keeper Andy Johnstone. Then an astute 30-yard chip from Chris Cornelly was only fractionally too high with Simon Marsh stranded. Marsh next saved Chorley with a reflex block to deny Miller.

Ashton had an early chance in the second half to wrap up the points only for Marsh to pull off an astonishing save from Cornelly's point blank header. But the longer the half went on the more the Magpies dominated play.

Paul Fleming's finish at full stretch to an Adam Critchley cross lacked only direction either side of the keeper and then after an almighty scramble in the Ashton goalmouth Johnstone produced a wonderful save to keep out Chorley substitute Darren Calderbank's powerful shot.

Chorley's pressure was unrelenting and justice was finally done four minutes from time when Barker smartly controlled a lay off from Marsh's long punt to leave Johnstone helpless with a thumping low volley.

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