Magpies feel the heat in Alicante friendly victory
Chorley were forced to contend with searing heat before emerging with a 2-1 victory over FC90 during their pre-season trip to Alicante.
Despite kicking off early in the morning on Saturday, the temperatures were still high as the Magpies came up against a well-organised passing outfit.
An own goal and a late Tom Carr effort ensured victory for Andy Preece’s men who were cheered on by a number of fans who had made the trip to Spain.
Preec described the match as worthwhile and another step in the right direction ahead of the season opener at Darlington next month.
"It was a really good workout,” Preece told ChorleyFCTV. “I think the opposition were the best we have had out here.
"They moved the ball really well like teams do in Spain.
"We got a good run out in the legs but again we had a really good shape about us.
"Even though we played really early in the morning, the heat was tough for the lads.
"That is something which they had to overcome which they did we came out with a win, no injuries, so again it was another worthwhile exercise and another step closer to the start of the season.”
Preece was also thrilled to see Jack Sampson and Tom Walker enjoy minutes on the pitch.
"That was great to see,” said Preece, who watched his team defeat Leek Town 2-0 last Wednesday courtesy of goals from Mark Ellis and Milan Lalković.
"Them starting the game and getting them through with the heat, it was a tough test and we played with quite a high intensity.
"We tried to press them really high and probably got more than 30 minutes into their legs.
"They will be a lot better for that and so great to see those two.”
With their return, it means only Craig Hewitt is on the sidelines but Preece is hopeful he will be close to returning this week.
The Magpies are back on home soil tomorrow evening when they host Rochdale in another friendly encounter at Victory Park.
Currently, they have free weekend with their next match scheduled for August 2 at Atherton Collieries.