Chorley 0, Curzon Ashton 1: Magpies slip to disappointing home defeat

A goal from a 37th minute corner proved enough for the battling visitors to register a vital victory as Chorley failed to find an equaliser despite having much the better of the second half.

The reality is that Andy Preece’s side have lost their way and would be in serious trouble in the National League North had they not started the season so brightly.

And the only win in the last six matches against nine-man leaders AFC Fylde on Good Friday could prove to be vital in keeping them clear of the relegation zone.

In a flat first half performance Chorley lacked penetration against a more determined Curzon and the home side failed to muster a serious shot on goal.

In fairness, however, the Magpies were denied a clear free-kick on the edge of the Curzon box immediately prior to the winning goal and the visitors promptly raced away to force the corner from which player-manager Adam Barton volleyed into the roof of the net from close range.

Twice more, the Nash had opportunities to extend their lead before the break, from one of which Matt Urwin pulled off a fine reaction save.

Substitute Milan Lalkovic, introduced for the last 20 minutes, injected much-needed craft and quality into the Magpies’ attack but the vital opening did not materialise In the face of resolute Curzon defending.

The nearest Chorley came to equalising was a goalmouth scramble in which the ball was finally hacked away with substitute Scott Wilson inches away from connecting in the jaws of goal.

Andy Preece post-match accurately summed up his side’s shortcomings.

“We simply didn’t do enough to get something from a difficult game which was a hard watch for everybody."