Spennymoor United 0 Chorley 0

THE victory vital to Chorley's hopes of catching 20th placed Lancaster City eluded the Magpies here.

Even if they win their last two games and Lancaster lose theirs, it will take some extraordinary scorelines to cancel out their rivals' superior goal difference.

In this disappointing game, the Magpies began brightly but faded after the break as Spennymoor took full advantage.

Chorley had strong claims for an early penalty turned down when Paul Higginbotham appeared to be held back but the Magpies wasted two decent chances when a Steve Jones lob narrowly cleared the bar and then Tony Carroll raced clear but screwed his shot wide of the far post.

As Spennymoor hit back Paul Shotton blasted wide and only a timely tackle by Matt Harmer denied Darren Vine a clear shooting chance.

Simon Marsh produced an excellent one handed save from Martin Bowes as Spennymoor launched the second half on the attack. Chorley increasingly had to rely on the occasional break away, from one of which substitute Winfield Steele lifted his shot just over the bar from Colin Lambert's clever pass.

The nearest the Magpies came to snatching the points was when Carroll found the net with a neat header only to see Lambert ruled offside.

The danger in the closing stages however was coming from Spennymoor. Marsh saved point blank from substitute Lee Tucker and the same player missed a glorious late chance.

The real battle now is surely the private tussle with Accrington Stanley to avoid finishing bottom.

Chorley must take something from tonight's away match at Emley (7.30pm kick-off) if they are not to hand the advantage to the Reds.

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