CHORLEY were emphatically knocked out of the ATS Lancashire Challenge Cup after holders Bamber Bridge kept up a repeat of last year's final with Morecambe by cruising to a comfortable victory.

The Magpies failed to show the necessary appetite for the semi final and were over-powered by the pace and aggression of the home side in a one-sided first half.

Bridge created a host of early chances in which Dave Leaver's angled drive struck a post, before Wayne Maddocks slotted home the opener in the 22nd minute, after cashing in on hesitant defending by Steve Hook. Former Magpie's striker Mark Edwards doubled the lead with an exquisite 20-yard chip three minutes before half-time after spotting keeper Simon Marsh off his line.

In the second period Maddocks rattled the bar with a header.

Then Chorley had enjoyed a brief spell of pressure in which Kenny Mayers had a fierce shot well saved and substitute Lee Trundle miskicked in front of goal. Bridge sealed their victory, however, in the final minute when Steve O'Neil charged down a Marsh clearance to compound the Magpies misery.

The game between Kidsgrove and Darwen was postponed due to the weather.

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