Chorley boss Andy Preece has hailed the impact of Elliot Taylor after his summer arrival
Magpies marksman Elliot Taylor currently leads the club’s goalscoring charts this season
A throwback to a bygone era is how Chorley boss Andy Preece describes new striker Elliot Taylor.
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The 24-year-old has made a big impact at Victory Park in the early part of this season after arriving in the summer.
Taylor served notice of his burgeoning talent last season when he hit 46 goals for AFC Liverpool in the North West Counties Premier Division.
He was swiftly snapped up by fellow NWC side Burscough at the end of last season, but the ink had barely dried on that deal when Preece persuaded him to make the switch to the Magpies just a few weeks later.
With Chorley operating n the National League North - three steps higher than anything Taylor has experienced previously - the decision to sign the forward could have been described as something of a gamble.
However, Taylor has taken to life at the higher level in his stride. He is currently the club’s leading goalscorer this season with four goals ahead of Tuesday night’s LFA Challenge Trophy tie against Clitheroe at Shawbridge.
He has also impressed with his ability to lead the line - his bulky frame and swashbuckling style enabling him to bully much bigger defenders.
It reinforces Chorley’s long-held policy of looking for hidden gems and turning them into
“Elliot’s a proper throwback,” said Preece. “He just loves playing football and works so hard.
“He really likes the way we play - I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“He’s a good footballer too and brave. His second goal against Brackley (2-2 draw), the bravery he showed to go in with the keeper because some players would have probably looked to jump out of that talent at some point but he just went full-blooded.
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“He could have scored more goals - and some of the chances, he’s created pretty much by himself.
“He’s coming up against lads who are 6ft 3in, 6ft 4in and who are much bigger than him and he’s knocking them about.
“There’s no fear and he’s clever with the way he goes about it.
“I’ve been really pleased with him and again you go back to our recruitment and for us to find him and for him to do as well as what he has done.”