Words: Ben Nixon, Images: David Airey
CHORLEY prevail on penalties against Curzon Ashton thanks to the heroics of Matt Urwin to set up a semi final playoff spot with Brackley Town.
Chorley won 4-2 on penalties against Curzon Ashton side to secure their place in the National League North Semi Final against Brackley Town on Sunday.
Curzon Ashton started on the front foot, whilst Chorley remained organised at the back as they eased themselves into the game.
Chorley had their first chance when Justin Johnson beat his man and cut inside but his powerful strike was blocked well by Craig Mahon.
The game started to open up as the first half progressed with the Magpies having a penalty shout on Mark Ellis waved away by referee Matthew McQuillan.
Curzon had their first real opportunity saved superbly by Matt Urwin who got down quickly to parry Adam Barton’s effort around the right post.
The Magpies continued their attempts to create the opener with Jack Hazlehurst dancing through the Curzon defence but his cross is blocked well and cleared for a corner.
Tensions began to rise as the game played out and within the space of four minutes Matthew McQuillan brandished three yellow cards.
Curzon started quickly after the restart enjoying spells of possession and controlling the game, forcing Chorley to dig deep and defend.
Matt Urwin acrobatically saves to deny Stefan Mols
Chorley had a spell of their own, pinning Curzon Ashton in their own half and coming close to taking the lead when Adam Blakeman turned inside to create space, and fired a shot across the face of the goal which went narrowly wide to the relief of Josh Ollerenshaw.
The game continued to be end to end with both sides trying to take the lead but it was Curzon Ashton who should have scored in the 87th minute when captain Jimmy Spencer’s shot went just wide of the post, keeping the magpies in the game and forcing extra time.
More of the same followed as both teams tried to gain the lead. Curzon had the better of the ball early in the first half of added time, but Chorley defended well to keep the game level.
In the 118th minute, Jimmy Spencer capitalised on Mark Ellis’ slip and set up Stefan Mols who found himself one on one with Matt Urwin but blasted the ball over the bar.
Curzon were left to rue their missed chances as Chorley triumphed 4-2 on penalties, securing their place in the semi final of the National League North semi final play offs away at Brackley Town.
Chorley: Urwin, Henley, Ellis, Smith, Blakeman, Calveley, Maguire (Horbury, 116'), Hazlehurst, Ubaezuonu (Glynn, 66'), Sampson, Johnson (Whitehouse, 90').
Cautions: Griffiths (36'), Mahon (39'), Johnson (39'), Barton (40'), Richards (92'), Smith (96').
Referee: Matthew McQuillan.
Assistants: Martin Parker & Ceri Williams.
Attendance: 2,128.
Up Next: We're off on our travels to Brackley Town this Sunday for the playoff semi finals.
