Break in play has allowed Magpies to refocus ahead of trip to Brackley Town

The two-week break in the National League North season has benefited Chorley in a bizarre kind of way as they prepare to travel to Brackley Town this weekend.
Chorley players celebrate their win over Wigan (photo: Stefan Willoughby)Chorley players celebrate their win over Wigan (photo: Stefan Willoughby)
Chorley players celebrate their win over Wigan (photo: Stefan Willoughby)

While the ramifications of the suspension and the dispute over funding may have a grave consequence for the rest of this season, Magpies boss Jamie Vermiglio admitted the enforced fortnight off gave himself and his players a chance to recover from what was a monumental period in their lives.

The club’s remarkable run to the fourth round of the FA Cup and the national exposure which came with it, was an amazing experience but was also draining both mentally and physically.

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Not too many days went by without the club being in the news and Vermiglio admits everywhere he went, he was greeted by people telling him that they had seen him on television.

Since losing to Premier League Wolves 1-0 at Victory Park, Vermiglio revealed he and his players have taken the opportunity to reflect on their cup exploits which saw them knock out Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United and Derby County.

“I think it’s been really beneficial for us to reflect but also refocus on the league,” he said.

“A couple of weeks before the FA Cup game against Wolves it was difficult, you still had players sort of leaving their full-time careers, lives and then thinking about this massive, historic game.

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“The media and attention which came with it was all positive but also was a strain on people. It certainly took up a lot of time .

“But it’s now back down to reality but I think what we did in the cup, we experienced that together and it’s brought us all closer together. You don’t get too many of those experiences in life.”

One factor which cannot be discounted was the Magpies’ performances against such illustrious opponents, something which can only bode well for the future.

He said: “I was thinking at the time when I was on the touchline against Wolves, ‘We are doing well here, we’ve got a chance’.

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“When I watched it back on the couch at home, we genuinely did have a chance.

“We were great with and without the ball so it’s something the club can be extremely proud about and something we will remember forever.”

The Magpies will face a stern test this weekend against Brackley, who are placed fifth in the table.

“We are coming up against Brackley who are probably one of the toughest sides we have played against over the past few years,” he said.

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“They have always been up there. They can mix it up, be physical and play football, so it’s going to be very tough for us.”

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