Magpies remain focused on league

Matt Jansen has warned his Chorley players to keep their focus firmly on the job in hand '“ which is collecting three vital league points at Spennymoor Town tomorrow.
Matt JansenMatt Jansen
Matt Jansen

Much has been made in recent days about the club’s magnificent run to the first round proper of the FA Cup – and the prospect of a mouthwatering derby clash against Fleetwood Town to look forward to on Monday week at Victory Park.

However, the Magpies have two very important National League North fixtures before the visit of Uwe Rosler’s League One outfit.

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Jansen has urged his men not to be distracted by the magic of the cup as they look to further cement their place in the play-off places.

Judging by the way Chorley battled to an excellent 1-0 win over FC United of Manchester in the league on Saturday – which came a few days after the 4-3 cup replay win over Boston – Jansen should have no such worries.

“After getting into the first round proper and drawing Fleetwood, it was important that we did not lose our focus on Saturday,” said Jansen whose side entertain 
Tamworth next Tuesday.

“It was one of those games where the conditions were awful. The referee was thinking about calling the game off at one point.

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“There were a lot of wet patches forming on the pitch and the ball was not running cleanly. The wind was a factor.

“The conditions made it a game of two halves and our second half was certainly 
better than the first.

“It was terrific that we got the win and it’s important that we keep focused on these next two league games.”

Spennymoor should provide Chorley with a stern test though. They are currently in fifth spot in the table – a place and point above the Magpies. But Jansen’s men are certainly in a rich vein of form, having lost just once in 13 games, 
winning nine of them.

“They are a very strong North East side,” said Jansen.

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“North East clubs are always strong, they have a good catchment area for players.

“They are above us in the table, but hopefully we can get something up there – three points would be very nice.”

Jansen will be without long-term casualty Dale Whitham, whose foot is still in a cast. There is a doubt over striker Matty Hughes, who has a slight niggle.

Elsewhere, Kevin Davies will go looking for his first win as Southport manager when he takes his team to AFC 
Telford United.

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In the National League, AFC Fylde take on Solihull Moors hoping to build on their last outing – a 2-0 win over Wrexham in the FA Cup.

The Coasters are well down the table but boss Dave 
Challinor said:“You only need to look at Macclesfield to see what a run of good results can do.

“They were in mid-table before they won six matches and now they are at the top of the league.”