Words: Ben Nixon, Photos: David Airey.
THE Magpies continued their strong start to pre-season with a goalless draw with Wigan Athletic on Friday night.
Chorley started well, enjoying periods of possession and remaining defensively solid in a cautious start from both sides..
The Magpies had their first real opportunity ten minutes into the first half when Tom Carr turned his marker and curled an effort towards the left corner, but Andy Lonergan caught it comfortably.
Wigan had a chance of their own later in the half, winning a corner through Calum McManaman’s dangerous cross, but the Magpies' defence dealt with it easily. The opening 35 minutes showed little attacking threat from either side, as both teams seemed content to sit back without the ball.
The best chance of the half fell to Scott Wilson, who was free in the penalty area when Joe Nolan whipped in a threatening cross, but his header went wide of the post.
Chorley started the second half on the front foot, threatening the Wigan defence when Warren Clarke’s cross found Jack Sampson, who rose highest to meet the ball, but his header went over the bar.
Wigan enjoyed a spell of possession, with McManaman turning well near the edge of the box to take a shot, but his effort sliced wide of Matt Urwin’s right post.
Andy Lonergan comes to claim a cross from the Magpies (David Airey)
Chorley had two quick attempts shortly after, with Adam Blakeman’s free kick forcing a smart save from Lonergan, who then had to deal with a corner which was whipped in well and met by Clarke, whose header narrowly sailed over the bar.
The game continued in the same fashion, with both teams struggling to find the creativity to break the deadlock, resulting in a goalless draw at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium.
Attendance: 1,559.
Up Next: We travel to Euxton Villa tomorrow afternoon.
