A rousing second-half display wasn’t enough for Chorley as they suffered the pain of Boxing Day defeat yesterday.

Garry Flitcroft’s men went into their Victory Park clash with Kendal Town high on confidence against a side struggling in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division.

But Kendal, bossed by former West Bromwich Albion and Preston star Lee Ashcroft, who also had a brief spell with the Magpies, were on fire.

Danny Wisdom, Shaun Gray and a Mark Ross own goal put the Cumbrians 3-0 up before half-time – and despite a sterling fightback, Chorley couldn’t claim an unlikely point.

Steve Foster and Dale Whitham scored for the locals – but it was too little, too late.

Clitheroe enjoyed an excellent day in the Evo-Stik League First Division North as they won their Lancashire derby with Lancaster City in style.

Carl Garner’s men dominated the clash at Giant Axe and ran out deserved 2-0 winners.

A heavy pitch and strong wind made life difficult for the players as Colne went to Silsden and keeper Chris Thompson had to be on his mettle in the first period.

After the break Colne had the wind behind them and went in front on 55 minutes when Mark Coyne followed up a blocked shot to fire home.

Silsden were on the back foot and were hanging on but were powerless to prevent Mark Threlfall heading home from Sam Heys cross four minutes from time to seal the win.

Ramsbottom United stayed hot on the heels of North West Counties League Premier Division leaders Bootle as they won a rip-roaring Rossendale Valley derby with Bacup Borough 3-2.

A thrilling match in front of a bumper crowd went right down to the wire with both sides having chances.

And while Ramsbottom were keeping pace with the leaders, Barnoldswick Town also managed to keep themselves in the midst of the race for glory.

They beat local rivals Padiham 3-1 in their game at the Silentnight Stadium.

In the North West Counties League First Division, Nelson’s Victoria Park clash with Holker Old Boys and AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground meeting with Rochdale Town were both postponed.