Capitalising on a fast start, Chorley ran out very comfortable winners against a Darlington side lacking any sort of cutting-edge or finishing ability.

The Quakers once again endured a fruitless trip to Victory Park where they were hammered 8-0 last season and, in fact, have now been beaten by the Magpies in each of the last four meetings.

The home side struck early on eight minutes. Neat play down the right culminated in George Horbury cutting inside before whipping a cross-shot into the net off the far post.

At the other end, Matt Urwin did well to keep out a stinging effort from Will Hatfield before Chorley went two up from a penalty in the 26th minute.

Mo Touray scores the first of his two goals from the spot (photo: David Airey/dia_images)

placeholder image — Mo Touray scores the first of his two goals from the spot (photo: David Airey/dia_images)

The impressive Craig Hewitt’s clever close-control took him to the byline where he was tripped and Mo Touray converted confidently from the spot.

Darlington moved the ball smartly at times but mostly in their own half and when the odd chance came they could not hit the target – at least until the contest was effectively over.

After Peter Jameson had saved brilliantly from Jack Moore, the Magpies’ victory was sealed with a third goal on 61 minutes.

Touray won possession in midfield and raced clear before tucking the ball neatly past exposed keeper Peter Jameson.

As Chorley went after a fourth goal, Jameson pulled off a great save to punch aside an Adam Blakeman blockbuster.

However, the Quakers were now beginning to create better openings and Urwin made a fine reflex save to deny the visitors a consolation goal, before substitute Matty Cornish volleyed over from close range when it looked easier to score.

In added time, substitute Chukwu-Dubem Eze saw a thunderous strike kept out by Jameson, as Chorley finished well on top to reclaim second place in the table, two points behind leaders Scunthorpe United.

Next up for the Magpies is a trip to Spennymoor Town on Saturday.

CHORLEY: Urwin, Moore, Smith, Ellis, Blakeman, Nolan (Henley 84), Calveley (Eze 76), Horbury, Clarke (Bird 93), Hewitt, Touray (Carr 81). Sub (not used): Wilson.

Attendance: 1,010.