Chorley were edged out of the UniBond League Challenge Cup in the first round after a 2-1 defeat at local rivals Bamber Bridge.

But the Irongate clash was as close as the score suggests and Bridge were hard-pressed to hang on to a one-goal lead in a hectic finish.

Two debutants for the home side marked their first appearance with a goal.

Anthony Murt lobbed Chorley keeper Peter Collinge for the opener on 42 minutes but the Magpies equalised on the hour, when Jordan Goodeve laid the ball off for Steve Burke to score with a low drive from the edge of the box.

Seven minutes later, Bridge regained the lead when Kristian Liptrott netted following a corner.

Chorley hit back and Mike Eckersley wasted a glorious chance to equalise when he fired over from close range from Jordan Connerton’s clever prompting.

The Magpies threw everything at Bamber Bridge in the closing stages and had a strong penalty claim turned down as a series of shots were charged down in a packed penalty area.

But they could not find the goal to force extra time.