An eventful start and finish saw Chorley lose their opening match of the season.

Chorley were edged out by Chester in their opening game of the National League North season as Billy Waters’ late strike denied the Magpies a share of the spoils, writes PETE TSCHEREWIK.

Anjola Popoola had an opportunity to get the Magpies off to the perfect start inside the opening five minutes of Saturday’s game, but fired wide from the penalty spot.

It was Chester who hit the front on 26 minutes, Ma’kel Campbell picking up possession on the edge of the box before firing a powerful effort into the roof of the net and leaving Li-Bau Stowell wrongfooted.

Tom Peers had a chance to double their lead before the break, but squandered a golden opportunity from close range when firing over the bar.

However, Andy Preece’s players responded superbly after the restart and levelled quite spectacularly through Elliot Taylor on the hour mark.

The summer signing controlled the ball out wide before unleashing a superb half-volley with the outside of his boot, finding the top corner for a deserved equaliser.

With both sides pushing for a winner, it was Chester who eventually found the decisive moment in the 87th minute.

Jake Griffin’s long ball released Dan Ward behind the Chorley defence before he squared across goal for Waters to turn home from close range.

The Magpies will now look to bounce back next Saturday when they travel to face South Shields.

Chorley: Stowell, Henley (Bala 90), Hunt, Smith, Blakeman (Ellis 90), Calveley, Clarke, Rowe (Fielding 90), Hazlehurst (Whitehouse 74), Popoola (Cummins 67), Taylor. Subs not used: Bird, Moore.