Marine 2 Chorley 1: German's goal only a consolation for 10-man Magpies
Chorley were beaten 2-1 by Marine on Easter Monday in a game shaped by key moments at both ends of the pitch.
The hosts took control in the first half with two goals in quick succession.
Their opener came in the 12th minute when a long ball forward wasn’t fully dealt with, allowing George Newell to thread a pass through to Fin Sinclair-Smith, who finished calmly past Matt Urwin inside the six-yard box.
Marine doubled their advantage midway through the half. Charlie Jolley was played in behind and, with time and space, rounded Urwin before slotting into an empty net to make it 2-0 to the hosts at the break.
Chorley responded positively after the interval and reduced the deficit through Owen German.
Good work on the right from Tom Walker saw him cut inside and pick out German, who took a touch before guiding a composed finish into the far corner via the post.
The Magpies looked to build momentum, but their task became significantly more difficult when Scott Wilson was shown a second yellow card shortly after the goal, reducing Chorley to ten men for the closing stages.
Despite their efforts, Chorley were unable to find an equaliser, with Marine managing the game well in the final minutes to see out the result.
Andy Preece’s side will now look ahead to Saturday’s home game against Curzon Ashton at the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium.
Chorley: Urwin, Henley (Moore 82), Smith, S Wilson, Griffiths (Walker 63), Nolan (German 63), O’Kane, Lalkovic (Bird 78), Sampson (Ibbitson 25), M. Wilson. Subs not used: Ellis, Calveley.