Magpies are entering a critical stage of the National League North season - they host Darlington this weekend
Chorley are entering a crucial stage of the National League North campaign which could make or break their promotion challenge.
Having only played once since New Year’s Eve due to postponements, the Magpies now prepare themselves for a hectic schedule over the next month.
They have 10 games to play in 35 days – it’s a run of fixtures which may well determine whether they can force their way into the top seven.
A good haul of points will keep them right in the mix for a play-off spot for the final run-in. However, a poor spell could sound the death knell for their promotion hopes for another season.
The Magpies are currently in the midst of a decent run, having won three and drawn three of their previous eight league games.
They currently sit in 13th spot in the table, but only five points behind seventh-placed Darlington, who they host at Victory Park this weekend.
“It’s a real congested month we’ve got coming up, there’s a lot of games,” said boss Andy Preece.
“Obviously with the way the weather was after Christmas, there were a lot of postponements.
“Look, it won’t get decided but it could put you in a really strong position or in a position where you are going to be chasing. It is an important, key period. We are still in a decent position, the run that we are on now is a decent one so we just need to continue that on and keep pushing.
“I think that’s the key thing now, that we keep pushing ourselves because we are more than capable of being well inside the play-offs.
“Fourth spot might be a real push for us but you just never know if you get on a good run.”