IN-FORM Chorley are now just one point off top spot in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division after Garry Flitcroft won the battle of the former Blackburn Rovers midfielders.
Flitcroft, pictured below, masterminded his Magpies side to an impressive 3-1 home victory over Mark Atkins’ Matlock Town on Tuesday.
It was a victory which extended Chorley’s winning run in all competitions to six matches and moved them above AFC Fylde – who suffered a shock loss to Nantwich Town – into second and within touching distance of Skelmersdale United.
The Magpies – who have a game in-hand on table-topping Skem – were playing their first match at Victory Park in six weeks.
But it was worth the wait as they comfortably swept aside their fellow high flyers.
Jake Cottrell puts the hosts in front in the sixth minute with a superb volley.
Matlock were fortunate not to be further behind at the break after Josh Hine struck the bar from 30 yards and Jon Kennedy saved at Darren Stephenson’s feet.
But Kennedy was beaten in the 52nd minute as James Dean slotted the ball home after the busy visiting goalkeeper had denied Stephenson again.
The game was well and truly up 11 minutes later as Chorley captain Andrew Teague barged through the box to poke home a corner. Matlock did manage to reduce the deficit three minutes from time through Brad Grayson.
The Magpies – who were presented with the Premier Division club of the month award for September before Tuesday’s game – travel to Stafford Rangers on Saturday.
Clitheroe, meanwhile, stretched their unbeaten Evo-Stik League First Division North run to three matches as they came from behind to a draw 1-1 at Lancaster City on Tuesday night.
Glenn Steel headed Lancaster ahead in the 29th minute.
But the improving Blues grabbed a share of the spoils after striker Scott Bakkor was pulled down in the area 10 minutes from time by Gavin Clark. Clark was sent off and Bakkor dispatched the resulting penalty.
Barnoldswick Town’s West Riding County Cup second-round tie at home to Albion Sports was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
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