Preece gutted by Fylde loss
Boss Andy Preece was “gutted” after his Chorley team were beaten 1-0 in their Boxing Day fixture away at derby rivals AFC Fylde.
The Magpies went down to defeat against the title challengers with Danny Ormerod – who spent part of last season on loan at Victory Park – scoring the only goal of the game early in the first half.
The 19-year-old calmly slotted the ball underneath goalkeeper Matty Urwin after being released by Ethan Mitchell in the 17th minute.
The visitors certainly had their moments and were arguably the better team in the second half but unfortunately could not break down the hosts’ defensive line.
Their best opportunity on 62 minutes. A Jack Moore free-kick was nodded down by Mike Calveley into the path of Tom Carr, but the striker snatched at his effort and sent it straight at Zac Jones in goal.
The Magpies also had a big shout for a penalty in stoppage time when Anjola Popoola went down in the box, but the referee waved away their appeals.
Preece told ChorleyFC TV: “I am pretty gutted that we didn’t get anything out of the game.
"I think our second half performance definitely deserved it. The lads kept going and I think it was another performance which the fans could be proud of – they gave everything for the shirt.
"The first 25/30 minutes was difficult for us. They changed their system and it took us a little while to get to grips with it.
"We were hanging on at times and had to get some great blocks in.
"They got the goal which they worked well but after about half an hour, we got to grips with it and made it a lot more difficult for them.”
The Magpies are back in front of their own fans this evening when they welcome Marine to Victory Park.
The Mariners are just outside the play-offs after a fine 4-2 win over Southport on Boxing Day, but Chorley can go within a point of them with victory this evening.
"We are bang in the hunt for the play-offs half-way through the season,” said Preece. “We have got a lot to look forward to – there’s lots of positives.
"We will need out support because we’ll have a tough nut to crack when we play Marine.”
On Saturday, Chorley are at home to Leamington for the first league game of 2026.