Chorley boss Andy Preece says Magpies are ready for big’ kick-off

He was speaking after the Magpies completed their preparations for the forthcoming National League North campaign with a 2-1 defeat at City of Liverpool last Saturday.

"It’s been a little bit up and down,” said Preece.

"But I think we’ve had everything in the games that we’ve needed, whether we’ve had to defend or had lots of the ball.

"We’ve had good performances and got a result, bad performances and got a result, and good performances where we haven’t got a result. I think that’s what you want in pre-season.

"The key is that you learn things, which we have, we’re still improving on one or two things but we are getting there. You can see that.”

On Saturday, the home side went ahead through John McGrath’s early striker but overall Chorley dominated for long periods of the game.

Preece made three changes at half-time, and it quickly paid off.

Just a minute after coming on Connor Hall pulled the ball back for fellow sub Ollie Shenton to make it 1-1.

Hall almost put the Magpies in front soon after, but saw his header brilliantly saved by keeper Ryan Hamer after a fine cross from Harry Scarborough. But City of Liverpool claimed the victory through James Steele’s close-range finish, which gave keeper Matt Urwin no chance.

Chorley kick off their season on Saturday at AFC Telford United (3pm) and Preece admits he cannot wait.

"I’ve got more excited as it’s gone on, the way the lads have been,” he said.

"I knew they'd be great anyway and that’s the reason why I took the job. I’m just excited about it, it’s great to have this opportunity again.

"I can’t see any reason why we can't be pushing up the league. We’ll be, as we always say, trying to win the league. That’s got to be the target from the start. If we fall a bit short, we’ll be in and around the play-offs.”

In the same division, AFC Fylde welcome Kettering Town to Mill Farm, while Liam Watson takes his Southport side to Boston United, both 3pm kick-offs.