A PERFORMANCE full of character brought Chorley their fifth away win, to which newly signed defender Tony Gaffey made an impressive contribution on his debut.

The Magpies got off to a great start when Paul Allen's near post header from a Neil Mitchell corner put them ahead after only 90 seconds. From a similar set piece Ian Barker came close to doubling the advantage but saw his header drift just wide.

Lincoln hit back strongly, their best chances falling to skipper Brendan McDaid. Twice wastefully off target, he was then denied just before the break only by an incredible double save by Simon Marsh at point-blank range. As Lincoln resumed on the attack, Mark Simms cleared off the line from Andy Gray but the home side were then shattered by a second Chorley goal on 50 minutes. Mitchell spotted keeper Marco Ziccardi, who had been prone to several earlier forays upfield, well off his line and netted with an exquisite chip from fully 30 yards.

Ziccardi quickly redeemed himself with excellent saves from Mitchell and Colin Potts as Chorley sought to wrap up the points but Lincoln substitute Tony Simmons hauled his side back into the game, beating Marsh at the second attempt on 65 minutes.

But the expected Lincoln fightback floundered in the face of sterling work by the Magpies defence.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.