Magpies target festive victory over Radcliffe
Chorley boss Andy Preece is relishing the prospect of taking on well-known non-league managerial duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley this afternoon.
The Magpies head Radcliffe on Boxing Day looking to build on last weekend’s 1-0 victory over basement boys Rushall Olympic at Victory Park.
The three points moved Chorley up to fifth in the table – and just four points behind current leaders Curzon Ashton.
Despite being rock-bottom, Rushall provided stern opposition and Preece expects another difficult game today against another side at the wrong end of the table.
Johnson and Morley made their names somewhat as the manager of Salford City – the club owned by Manchester United’s famous Class of ’92 – and featured in a behind-the-scenes documentary called “Out Of Their League”.
The pair have enjoyed lots of success, including last season when they guided Boro to promotion as the runaway winners of the NPL Premier Division.
They have found the going tough this season at the higher level and currently sit in the relegation zone.
However, they are only three points off safety and have games in hand on the teams above them.
Preece has plenty of respect for both Morley and Johnson and expects them to get things right at Stainton Park.
"Radcliffe is going to be as tough as you get,” said Preece. “Two managers who I have got the utmost respect for.
"They are doing magnificently in their careers and have had loads of promotions.
"They have done fantastically well at Radcliffe and there’s no doubt that they will get it right.
"It’s going to be difficult, but it’s always nice going up against them. There’s always lots of respect between us all.
"So we are looking forward to that. They have been getting some big crowds this season and the pitch is nice. They are definitely a club on the up.”
Elsewhere in the division, Southport host Warrington Town, while in the National League, Fylde host Rochdale at Mill Farm.