Exclusive Matt Jansen column

Chorley boss writes for the Lancashire PostIt's been a hectic but rewarding Easter weekend for all of us at Chorley Football Club, with three matches in the space of six days.
Action from Saturday's 1-1 draw at York as Jason Walker is brought down (photo: Josh Vosper)Action from Saturday's 1-1 draw at York as Jason Walker is brought down (photo: Josh Vosper)
Action from Saturday's 1-1 draw at York as Jason Walker is brought down (photo: Josh Vosper)

First of all, we took on Lancaster City in the 
Lancashire FA Trophy 
semi-final on Wednesday, which we won 1-0.

It was a narrow victory in Leyland, but a pleasing one as matches against sides in the leagues below you are 
always potential banana skins – just look at our FA Trophy defeat to Marine just before Christmas.

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I felt in the Lancaster game we were a little sideways and backwards, but when we put our mind to it and played direct, we were much the better side.

It was great work from Delial Brewster to set up Jason Walker in the first half, which was ultimately the decisive goal.

In the end, I think we were worthy of the victory and we’re looking forward to the cup final at the Macron Stadium against Clitheroe at the end of the month.

We then travelled to York City on the Saturday and gained a valuable point in 
our bid to reach the 
play-offs.

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We wanted to win the game, particularly after the home defeat to Boston the previous weekend, but a point away at York is never a bad one.

In terms of effort, energy, endeavour, character and togetherness we showed an abundance of it all and to do that away from home at a place like Bootham Crescent is fantastic.

Alex Newby scored a 
superb goal to give us the lead, which was his first for the club.

A fantastic strike which was much deserved and over the past few weeks he has really shown why we brought him to the club in January.

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He’s a gifted player and we can’t wait to see him develop more as the weeks ago on.

Easter Monday was particularly pleasing for everyone at the club, thanks to a brilliant 2-0 home win over Bradford Park Avenue.

We came up against 
Bradford just 48 hours after the York match and Avenue had a day’s more rest than we did, so to get the victory was superb.

The dressing room we have is fantastic.

They’re strong men who aren’t afraid of putting up a fight and the togetherness which they showed on Monday was excellent.

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I have the belief that they will push on and push on and continue to answer what is thrown at them.

Jason Walker was superb against Bradford, just like he was against York.

You have to remember he’s 34-years-old and to put in the performances he has been doing in recent weeks is a testament to him and his talent.

A special mention 
needs to go to our fantastic groundsman at Victory Park, Ben Kay.

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The work he puts in to make our pitch the best he can is incredible, and we all appreciate his efforts.

To get Monday’s match on was amazing, given the amount of postponements in the North West because of the rain, so thanks to Ben and we appreciate all of your hard work.

All eyes move towards our next match now, away at AFC Telford on Saturday.

They’re a side that’s fighting to stay in this division, so it won’t be easy.

We’ve built some great momentum over the past fortnight or so and hopefully we can take that into Saturday’s game.

Matt Jansen was talking to Harry Lyons