Magpies out of sorts

A very physical Alfreton side often outmuscled the Magpies and it was no surprise that a scrappy goal settled a decidedly scrappy National League North contest.

Unsurprisingly, following the transfer of leading scorer Josh Hine and in the absence of imposing target-man James Dean and midfield dynamo Dale Whitham, Chorley came up 
short.

Clear-cut scoring chances for the visitors were a rarity, whereas the home side fashioned enough openings to wrap up the points long before securing the decisive goal nine minutes from time.

Alfreton, in fairness, were worth the win.

For the hosts, Sam Smith wasted a couple of free first-half headers, before Chorley keeper Sam Ashton denied him a third chance with a smart stop just before the break.

The Magpies’ best chances had seen Darren Stephenson cut inside only to drag his shot wide of the near post and Andy Bond strike a free-kick well but inches wide.

Chorley’s most incisive effort came midway through the second half when Bond whipped in a dangerous cross and Jordan Connerton flung himself at it, but at full stretch headed over the bar.

Soon afterwards it took a superb diving save by Ashton to deny Sam Jones at point-blank range.

Alfreton’s winning goal had an element of luck about it.

Tom Allan miscued an attempt on goal but the ball fell kindly for Lindon Meikle to beat Ashton from close range.

Adam Roscoe set up a late chance for an equaliser with a lay-off to Jack Lynch but his mistimed shot flew over the bar.

The win extended in-form Alfreton’s sequence to five wins and a draw from the last six but cost Chorley four places in the table as they slip to 13th.

CHORLEY: Ashton, Ross, Beesley, Charnock, Roscoe, Cottrell, Jarvis (Field,76), Lynch, Connerton (Guy,83), Bond, Stephenson. Subs (not used): Teague, Bailey, Goulding.

Attendance: 605