Preece era at Magpies begins with narrow loss
Andy Preece’s reign as Chorley manager began with a narrow defeat on the opening day of the National League North season at AFC Telford United.
In a game that struggled to rouse the majority of the 1,443 supporters in attendance, it was a moment of clinical finishing just before the break that ultimately settled the contest.
Chances were sparse until the 45th minute when Chorley skipper Scott Leather lost his footing while attempting to clear the ball, allowing Devarn Green to hammer home past a helpless Matt Urwin from 10 yards.
Sam McLintock almost doubled the Bucks’ lead early in the second half with a curling effort that just missed Urwin’s far post – otherwise it was marginal Chorley pressure for the remainder of the game.
Connor Hall forced an alert stop from Luke Pilling, Ollie Shenton fired over and Will Tomlinson went close from range. Then, despite a late Jack Sampson red card – a second yellow for a second late challenge on Robbie Evans – a final chance fell the way of debutant Justin Johnson, but the winger scuffed his injury time effort wide.
Telford Pilling; Brown (c), Piggott, Nolan, Moore (L.Baker, 87'), Evans (Dugmore, 82'), Ekpolo, Green (C.Baker, 73'), Blissett, Carson, McLintock. Subs not used: Bood, Chong.
Chorley Urwin; Henley (Ustabaşı, 35'), Wilson, Leather (c), Whitehouse, Calveley, Sampson, Tomlinson (Okome, 90'+2), Shenton (Johnson, 83'), Blakeman, Hall. Subs not used: Smith, Scarborough.