Leigh RMI 0 Chorley 1

A PIECE of opportunism from ace goal-snatcher Tony Carroll brought Chorley the three points needed to guarantee 21st place in the UniBond Premier Division and keep alive the hope that the Magpies will escape relegation.

News from Runcorn that Accrington Stanley had been held to a draw sparked off celebrations among the Chorley players and their sizeable travelling support at the final whistle.

And results in the UniBond First Division completed the jigsaw with victory at Whitley Bay guaranteeing Hucknall Town first or second place.

Hucknall's promotion hinges on the completion of extensive ground development before the end of May and Chorley now face a nail -biting wait until a final inspection and official announcements are made.

Chorley did not have to wait long at Leigh for the boost of a goal, Carroll stealing in unmarked in the 12th-minute to meet a left wing free kick with a smart header which gave keeper Dave Felgate no chance.

Leigh got little change out of a very solid Magpies defence and when they did break through they found keeper Simon Marsh in top form. Keith Evans missed out on a quick equaliser by heading high over from a free kick and later Marsh produced a great reflex save from Steve Tobin.

The Magpies also had clear first half chances but Steve Jones and Warren Sexton were both off target with misjudged lobs.

Ex-Magpie Tony Black looked the most likely to spoil Chorley's party, bringing three good saves from Marsh in the second half. Winfield Steele however should have wrapped things up for the Magpies in the closing stages but hesitation in front of goal allowed Felgate to block his shot.

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