Words: Pete Tscherewik, Images: David Airey
CHORLEY were left frustrated and had to settle for a share of the spoils as a defiant Marine AFC held the Magpies to a goalless draw on Saturday afternoon at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium.
Andy Preece's side had the first half-chance of the game, Mark Ellis on the end of an Adam Blakeman cross but his header found the grateful hands of Max Metcalfe in goal.
Both sides struggled to get a grip of the game for much of the first-half, chances on goal at a premium as defending was resolute and defiant.
Marine had the biggest chance of the opening 45 minutes, Fin Sinclair-Smith squandering a golden opportunity after he broke free in a two-versus-two situation but with the goal at his mercy, he hit his shot straight at Matt Urwin.
The visitors looked dangerous on the counter after the restart, Urwin forced into a smart save as Chorley looked to attack higher up in search of the opener.
Former Chorley player Jack Hazlehurst was stretchered off with 20 minutes to go, which halted proceedings for quite some time but when play resumed, the Magpies continued to be positive while Neil Young's side continued to defend well.
Scott Wilson was caught right on the edge of the box with six minutes to go, Blakeman took the free-kick which was into the wall before minutes later Wilson saw his header heroically cleared off the line by Josh Wardle.
Chorley continued to huff and puff right to the last, Ellis having a header cleared off the line himself in the eighth minute of stoppage time but in the end, were left to settle for a point.
