The Magpies went down to a hugely controversial 1-0 defeat at home to King’s Lynn Town, on what threatened to be a season-defining day at the Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium.
Both sides failed to create any clear cut chances in the first-half, visiting forward Gold Omotayo coming closest with a header that Matt Urwin did well to tip over.
The half did, however, feature two troubling injuries for the Magpies as both Harvey Smith and Connor Hall left the field of play and were unable to return.
In the context of the game it matter little, as Scott Leather and Marco Rus performed superbly as replacements, especially during the second half when the Magpies were in control.
Tommy Dixon-Hodge denied Adam Henley on the hour mark with what would be the first of many saves he’d make before full-time.
Rus continued to make an impact as Chorley gained momentum as the game got closer to its conclusion and again Dixon-Hodge was called upon to deny him.
Jack Sampson was next to force a huge save out of the goalkeeper, who dived at full-stretch to keep out a looping header.
Sampson was involved again on 88 minutes; the game-defining controversy. The big number nine was fouled on the edge of the box, allowing Billy Whitehouse to fire home a free-kick to give the Magpies the lead. Only, the assistant thought otherwise, the referee played on and within a minute King’s Lynn had won the game.
Omotayo rising highest to head home a Josh Barrett cross as injury time beckoned. A huge kick in the teeth for the Magpies.
Chorley Urwin (c); Henley, Smith (Leather, 8′), Wilson, Nolan Whitehouse, Calveley, Sampson, Ustabaşı, Finney, Hall (Rus, 43′). Subs not used: Tomlinson, Shenton, Johnson.
King’s Lynn Dixon-Hodge; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Callan-McFadden (Ponticelli, 78′), Crowther, Coulson, Clunan (c), Widdrington, Omotayo, Stephens (Cosgrave, 60′), A.Jones, Hughes (Barrett, 76′). Subs not used: Fleming.
Man of the Match Adam Henley
We’ve played so well and should have had the result we deserved at the end, but instead we’ve been robbed – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) None | Omotayo 89′ (Barrett)
Cautions Leather 56′, Wilson 70′ | Widdrington 68′, Oxlade-Chamberlain 72′
Dismissals None | None
Crowd 1,100
HT Draw 1st 03480 (£60) | 2nd 03154 (£36) | 3rd 03325 (£24)
Golden Goal 89 minutes
Officials Dale Baines | Joel Buckle & Simon Robinson
Next Up
A Good Friday visit to the Deva Stadium to take on Chester (3pm). Online admission prices set at £17 Adults; £14 65+; £12 u21s; £3 12-17s; FREE Accompanied u12s.
