CHORLEY took full advantage of their rivals' league cup distractions to jump four places up to eighth in the UniBond First Division after completing a double over rock bottom Bishop Auckland.

They were made to fight hard for their victory, though, firstly through the early withdrawal of influential skipper Jamie Vermiglio with a hamstring problem, and secondly by a Bishop Auckland side playing with a desire and skill which belied their lowly position.

But there was no cutting edge to Bishop's neat approach work and it was Chorley who showed the way to goal in a game of few clear-cut scoring chances.

From the first real opening, Ian Callaghan headed over from Shaun Teale's well-placed free-kick, then the visitors almost snatched the lead when Matty Hysen's header from a looping cross flew just wide of the far post.

A neat passing movement brought the Magpies the lead after 40 minutes, with Peter Wright squaring for Graham Tench to score from six yards.

Tench failed to reappear for the second half but his replacement, Michael Bromham, grabbed the crucial second goal on 59 minutes.

Joe Gibbons released John Bluck down the right touchline and his deep cross was expertly nodded into the bottom corner by an unchallenged Bromham.

Chorley were in the comfort zone and strolling to victory until, with 10 minutes to go, the referee spotted a push in the home goalmouth and awarded Bishop Auckland a penalty which substitute Danny Newby confidently dispatched to set up a nervy finish for home supporters.

But the Chorley defence, ably marshalled by Teale and Martin Clark, gave little away to make it four wins for the Magpies from the last five games.