Chorley 2 South Shields 1: Magpies' massive three points

After Paul Blackett cancelled out the Magpies’ opener from Mike Calveley in first-half added time, South Shields resumed with purpose and it looked a matter of time before they added more goals.

Chorley had other ideas as a fantastic strike from substitute Carlton Ubaezuonu restored their lead before they defended their penalty area with unquenchable determination.

There was a hint of the pattern to come when, in the second minute, Matt Urwin pulled off a stunning flying save and, from the resulting corner, the ball clipped the bar.

As Chorley got into the game, Justin Johnson beat three defenders and centred to Josh Popoola, who scuffed his shot tamely towards goal.

However, the home side went ahead on 31 minutes when, following Mark Ellis’ long throw, Calveley fired powerfully into the roof of the net.

The elusive Johnson ought to have won a penalty when barged over inside the area but Shields got away with that transgression.

Then, in the third minute of added time, another in a series of lightning breaks down the right led to an equaliser as Blackett tapped in a penetrating cross.

Shields asked almost all of the questions on the resumption as Urwin saved his side with a dash from goal to block Blackett’s shot.

It came right out of the blue when Chorley regained the lead with Ubaezuonu’s stunning strike into the top corner from 25 yards.

It was a goal fit to win any game and so it proved as Chorley fought to protect their advantage, getting bodies in the way as Shields strove to salvage something from the game.

Blackett hit a post, one last effort was smuggled off the line and Martin Smith blasted wide from the clearest of chances, summing up the visitors’ night as the Magpies claimed three huge points.

Chorley: Urwin, Moore, Ellis, Smith, Popoola (Ubaezuonu 61), Henley, Calveley, Sampson (Moyo, 81), Nolan, Johnson (Blakeman 90), Whitehouse. Subs not used: Shenton, Brindle.

Attendance: 916.