Cummins’ double helps fire Chorley to victory
Chorley continued their preparations for the new season with an impressive 4-0 victory over Ashton United at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium.
The visitors made the brighter start, with Scott Wilson producing an important early challenge to deny Darius Osei on the counter, before Mikey O'Neill tested the trialist goalkeeper with a fierce effort from distance.
Despite Ashton enjoying the better of the opening exchanges, it was the Magpies who struck first after 12 minutes. Harvey Smith, leading the line during the opening 45 minutes, applied a composed finish to give Andy Preece's side the advantage.
Chorley grew into the contest from there, with Max Hunt going close to doubling the lead as his header drifted narrowly wide, while Ashton looked to respond through Kurt Willoughby, whose free-kick cannoned back off the post.
Once again, Preece made a host of changes at the interval, and the fresh legs made an immediate impact.
Just four minutes into the second half, youngster Jacob Cummins reacted quickest to turn home after Mark Ellis' initial effort had been parried away.
The Magpies extended their lead before the hour mark when Blakeman delivered an inviting cross from the left, allowing a trialist to glance a well-taken header beyond Tommy Taylor.
Ashton thought they had pulled one back with 15 minutes remaining when Willoughby lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, only for the offside flag to deny the visitors.
Cummins rounded off an excellent evening with a stunning first-time volley to make it 4-0, sending Chorley into this week's training camp in Alicante, where they will face Hércules CF Under-23s.