Two goals in three minutes around the hour-mark scuppered Chorley’s hopes of building on their recent good run at Wakefield.

If the Magpies were to take something from this game, they needed to convert their chances in a first half in which they more than held their own.

But after the break Wakefield made their greater physical presence count and once in front looked assured winners. Jordan Goodeve had a strong claim for a penalty early on when his fierce shot was charged down but the Magpies also had a lucky escape when Chris Haworth struck a post.

As Chorley continued to create openings, Roger Sharrock was twice denied by home keeper Andy Woods, while Ashley Parillon and Mike Eckersley both fired over the Wakefield bar from clear shooting positions.

Wakefield’s fiery start to the second half saw them grab the lead after 58 minutes when Delroy Ferguson swept home an excellent cross.

And then from a carelessly conceded free-kick, Haworth rose unchallenged to head past Peter Collinge. The Magpies gave little indication that they might salvage a point after that and they finished well beaten, Wayne Shooter fired Wakefield’s third from close range 10 minutes from time.