Words: Ryan Jacobs, Images: David Airey
TWO goals apiece from Mark Ellis and Mike Calveley earned Chorley three significant points to continue the Magpies’ unbeaten run through to nine games.
Just as they did at the weekend at Kidderminster Harriers, the Magpies started the game brightly.
With minutes on the clock, Tom Carr came agonisingly close to putting Chorley in front.
Gareth Dean rescued a stranded Jonny Maxted in goal from Carr’s stretched dink, which was well cleared off the line by the experienced centre half.
However, it wasn’t long until Mark Ellis made it four goals in four games.
Adam Blakeman delivered a free-kick that eventually found its way to the man in form who composed himself well before firing in with his left foot.
A few minutes later, Maxted pulled off a superb save from point-blank range to deny Carr.
Chorley then found themselves with an opportunity in the final minutes of the first half.
It was yet another magnificent set-piece from the Magpies with Mike Calveley heading home at the near post, a second goal coming at just the right time for Andy Preece’s side.
Following the break, Brackley made two substitutions, which saw former Magpie Connor Hall enter the fray as well as Scott Pollock.
The visitors started the second half on the front-foot with the intent of getting an early goal.
Zak Lilly leapt above the rest to meet a Morgan Roberts cross, but as per usual, Matt Urwin pulled off a fine save a full stretch to deny the former.
Just after the hour mark, Harvey Smith would see the ball out for what he believed was a goal kick, but on this occasion, it was a corner, much to the bemusement of the Chorley players and of those occupying the Magpies’ technical area.
Morgan Roberts delivered, and substitute Pollock steered it home to give the Saints some life in the second half.
Twelve minutes before the 90 and Calveley had his brace.
With a trademark long throw, Blakeman’s delivery found its way to the number eight, who fired home to give Chorley that breathing room again.
Following the fourth official indicating there would be five added minutes, Ellis made five goals in four games.
Calveley was denied a hat trick following an unbelievable save from Maxted, and somehow, Ellis was in the right place at the right time to seal all three points and move the Magpies up to fourth.
CHORLEY: Urwin, Henley, Ellis, Wilson (Smith 50'), Blakeman, Nolan, Calveley, Horbury (Hewitt 90+3'), Clarke (Touray 90+3'), Carr (Eze 90+3'), Sampson (Hall 71').
