Words: Ben Nixon, Images: David Airey
CHORLEY made it five wins in a row to extend their unbeaten run to ten games with a 2-1 win over South Shields on Saturday afternoon, thanks to goals from Momodou Touray and Mark Ellis.
Both sides started cautiously as the Magpies eased into the game. Chorley looked to press high, forcing a few early mistakes from the visitors, but were unable to take advantage with clear-cut chances at a premium.
Dubem Eze showed glimpses of his skill early on, gliding past three South Shields players before being crowded out just as he looked to play a decisive pass.
Chorley had the first real chance inside the box when a powerful strike was deflected over for a corner. Moments later, Adam Blakeman whipped a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but no one in the black and white stripes could get the crucial touch.
The Magpies saw more of the ball in the opening 20 minutes and won a handful of corners, but South Shields held firm. The visitors were dealt a blow, however, when central defender Tom Broadbent was forced off with an injury.
Chorley eventually found the breakthrough as Momodou Touray spotted Miles Boney off his line and produced a superb lob to put the hosts ahead.
South Shields thought they had an equalizer on the half-hour mark, but their celebrations were cut short when referee David Jones awarded Chorley a free-kick for handball, booking Kyle Crossley in the process.
The visitors grew into the game, and against the run of play, Dylan Stephenson found himself free in the box. His powerful strike was tipped onto the post by Matt Urwin before going out for a corner.
Elliott Dickman's side continued to enjoy a spell of possession before the break, while Chorley struggled to find the final pass in the attacking third as the half-time whistle approached.
Chorley doubled their lead five minutes after the restart, as Mark Ellis found himself unmarked at the back post from a corner. The defender made no mistake, calmly picking his spot to make it 2-0.
Ellis’ goal continued his impressive run of form, marking his sixth goal in five games for the Magpies.
Chorley had a golden opportunity to put the game out of reach after Moore’s relentless pressing set up Eze through on goal. With only the keeper to beat, he aimed for the far corner but sent his effort narrowly wide.
Both sides enjoyed spells of possession, but clear-cut chances remained scarce as the game entered its final stages.
With 74 minutes played, South Shields found a way back into the contest. A well-struck volley from Martin Smith beat Matt Urwin, halving the deficit and setting up a tense ending.
Using the momentum, the visitors pushed forward dangerously immediately after kick off. A perfectly weighted through ball sliced through the Chorley defence, forcing Urwin into a crucial one-on-one save to preserve the Magpies’ lead.
The fourth official indicated six minutes of added time, much to the dismay of the Chorley supporters. South Shields continued to pressure the Chorley goal, but the Magpies stood strong, holding firm under the mounting pressure to come away with a deserved three points in the end.
Chorley: Urwin, Moore, Smith, Ellis, Blakeman, Montgomery (Nolan 46'), Calveley, Horbury, Eze (Clarke 65'), Hall (Sampson 76'), Touray (Carr 59'). Unused: Henley.
