Words: Ben Nixon, Images: David Airey
TWO goals from Mike Calveley were the difference as the Magpies came away 2-0 winners against Alfreton Town on Non-League Day.
It was the perfect start for Chorley, who stunned the visitors within the opening two minutes. A long ball down the right won the Magpies an early corner, which was whipped into the box and expertly finished by Mike Calveley, handing Chorley a crucial early lead inside the opening two minutes of the game.
Alfreton nearly found an equaliser when a scrappy corner trickled dangerously towards the goal line, but Adam Blakeman was perfectly positioned to clear the danger well.
Moments later, the Magpies launched a threatening attack down the left through Warren Clarke; Kole Hall picked up the ball and teed up Adam Henley, whose powerful effort was bravely blocked by the Alfreton Town skipper.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Chorley struck again. Calveley showed great composure inside the box, dribbling past defenders before slotting home his second of the game.
A defensive mix-up for the Magpies almost allowed Jake Day a clear run on goal, but a last-ditch tackle from Matt Urwin prevented the visitors from capitalising. Day’s frustration then got the better of him, earning himself a booking for dissent.
Chorley continued to control the ball whilst remaining strong at the back, fending off any comeback attempts from Alfreton until the half-time whistle.
The Magpies came out flying in the second half. Hall nearly found himself one on one with the visitors' keeper after pouncing on a Reds defender, but he was brought down. The referee waved play on as Chorley continued to press with energy.
Andy Preece’s men had to rely on the heroics of Urwin to protect their two goal lead. Sam Osborne dribbled brilliantly in the box laying up his teammate who delivered a cross to the far post, where it was met well. However, Urwin spread himself brilliantly to deny a certain goal.
Alfreton enjoyed a spell of possession, forcing Chorley onto the back foot. Urwin was tested a couple of times but stood firm, pushing the ball away on both occasions. The Magpies, however, remained a threat on the counter, with Hall and Momodou Touray causing problems up top.
As the game entered the final 20 minutes, play opened up with end to end action, though clear cut chances remained scarce as both defenses held strong. Chorley stood firm against Alfreton’s last-ditch efforts to salvage something, securing a crucial three points and a well earned clean sheet after the visitors hit the woodwork twice.
