A DRAMATIC late equaliser for Boreham Wood denied Chorley a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Umbro Trophy.

The Magpies, given magnificent vocal backing by close on 200 travelling fans, came through a searching test of character and nerve against a lively and very determined home side.

Former Luton star Brian Stein was the danger man up front for Boreham Wood who were also well served by Gary Nesbitt, a giant of a central defender in every sense.

The greasy surface of a pitch which sloped away from a pronounced crown in the centre demanded skilful ball control of both teams and in a somewhat jittery first half neither side seriously troubled the goalkeepers, apart from one Brian Ross shot which Martin Taylor dived to grab by his left hand post.

Resolute defending by Chorley restricted the home side to speculative shooting from distance and a goal at either end seemed remote until the Magpies stepped up the tempo midway through the second half.

An inviting Dave McKearney cross saw Kenny Mayers completely miskick from four yards range but Mayers quickly compensated by setting up a quality opening goal for Chorley on 68 minutes.

Breaking down the right he floated a cross from the byline beyond the far post where Grant Leitch got up well to direct a superb header back across goal and into the net to send the Chorley supporters wild with delight.

It could soon have been 2-0 when Adam Critchley released Ross in the penalty area but Taylor spread himself well to deflect the shot for a corner.

Boreham Wood threw men forward in numbers in a desperate late bid to save the game, a Stein header flew narrowly wide, but the Magpies looked capable of holding on to their lead and did so until a free kick on 89 minutes produced the equaliser.

Simon Marsh punched clear but from 20 yards fullback Andy Prutton rocketed a fierce half volley into the net off the underside of the bar.

So it is still all to play for tomorrow and Chorley must fancy their chances now though it won't be easy against a well organised side who have an impressive away record of 10 wins and only two defeats from 14 games.

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