THERE’S been plenty of talking points at Chorley while three of our sides continue to ride high in the Pitching In Northern Premier League North West Division.

It’s all in our latest non-league round-up below.

CHORLEY LEARN EXTENT OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Chorley chief executive Terry Robinson says financial support from the government will merely “contribute” to the club’s ongoing costs in the battle against the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Magpies, like the majority of National League North clubs, are in line for £30,000 a month, with the first payment from the National Lottery due next week.

That is the lowest amount on offer in the three divisions at the top of non-league with Chester and York among those to get £36,000 at the same level as Chorley.

In the top division, most clubs will receive £84,000 while Chesterfield, Hartlepool, Notts County, Stockport, Torquay, Wrexham and Yeovil will be given £95,000 a month.

The money was a condition of clubs in the National League structure kicking off their seasons behind closed doors at the start of the month.

In a statement, Robinson said: “The finances of the club have been a major concern for directors and employees but after major negotiations by the National League, the FA and the Government, a short-term package administered by the FA is to be provided to all National League clubs with funding coming from the National Lottery.

“These payments are forthcoming as the decision to commence playing was agreed on this undertaking.

“There are certain major differences between the National League and the North and South divisions.

“We are at the bottom end of the chain but nevertheless thankful for the assistance over the next three months, and while the payments will contribute to our total monthly wages, these will not cover the entire costs or cover other losses stemming from the end of last season or the lack of income from pre-season friendlies and other planned events over the summer, along with the inability to sell match-day sponsorship packages and many other areas.”

BBC TO BROADCAST DRAW FROM VICTORY PARK

On the field, Jamie Vermiglio’s Magpies go in search of their first point of the season when they host Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

Victory Park will be the centre of attention again on Monday night with it having been chosen as the host venue for the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup first round draw.

The Magpies were handed a bye through the fourth qualifying round, which takes place this weekend, owing to Macclesfield being wound up. Coverage starts on BBC2 at 7pm.

CLITHEROE LOOK TO BIG PICTURE

Clitheroe have a free weekend and time to reflect on a first defeat of the season in a battle of early season contenders in the Pitching In Northern Premier League North West Division.

An injury-time goal from Reuben Jerome, a second of the night for the former Ramsbottom striker, handed Workington a 2-1 victory and meant David Lynch’s Blues left Brough Park empty-handed on Tuesday night.

Marine’s FA Cup involvement means Clitheroe’s calendar is empty tomorrow with Lynch keen to look at the big picture after a strong start. 

“We don’t get carried away when we win and I’m not getting despondent when we lose,” he told the club website.

“We just keep going. They are a good side and it’s a long season.

“We will dust ourselves down like we did after (Warrington) Rylands (in the FA Cup in the first game of the season) and see where we can improve.

“A couple of lads didn’t hit the heights they have in the last couple of games, but you have to accept that.

“I am not going to be too critical because we have to stick together. It’s a new project and a new group and we stick together and go again.”

AND THE OTHER HIGH-FLIERS…

Clitheroe are third in the early table and one point above Ramsbottom in fourth.

They are in action at Tadcaster Albion after being denied three points in stoppage time in their 2-2 draw at home to Kendal Town on Tuesday  night.

Colne also have 13 points from six games in fifth and welcome City of Liverpool. Nathan Rooney’s side were without a game on Tuesday night.

NORTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE

Bacup Borough will look to maintain their perfect start in the North West Counties League First Division North when they host Pilkington tomorrow.

Brent Peters’ side top the early table with three wins from their opening three games after Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Steeton courtesy of Josh Brennan’s early goal.

Elsewhere in the First Division North, AFC Darwen welcome Chadderton to the Anchor Ground.

Kenny Langford’s men won their opener 7-3 against AFC Blackpool but have lost their two subsequent league games and on Saturday went down 6-2 at league new boys Bury AFC.

Nelson’s game at AFC Blackpool has been postponed due to a member of the hosts’ squad testing positive for Covid-19 and the club being temporarily shut.

In the Premier Division, Padiham will look to continue their unbeaten start after a win and a draw in their opening two games when they host 1874 Northwich.

Barnoldswick Town are looking to bounce back from their 10-2 defeat at Winsford United at home to Hanley Town.