Ross: Easter ended Magpies' play-off hopes

Mark Ross knew his promotion dream was over for another year as soon as he and his Chorley team-mates failed to spark over the busy Easter period.
Defender Mark Ross (photo: Josh Vosper)Defender Mark Ross (photo: Josh Vosper)
Defender Mark Ross (photo: Josh Vosper)

With three games in five days, the Magpies knew that there was an opportunity to rack-up a lot of points in a short space of time and exert some pressure on the teams above them.

Unfortunately, only one point was gained in those three games as they were beaten by FC United and Bradford Park Avenue and could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Stalybridge Celtic.

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Last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Tamworth all but confirmed that they would not be finishing inside the National League North top five for a second successive season.

Chorley currently find themselves in eighth spot in the table – eight points behind fifth-placed Boston United with only four games left.

“The play-offs have gone now,” Ross said.

“I don’t think it was so much last weekend which put paid to our chances but the weekend before – over Easter.

“As we went into the Easter weekend, we were absolutely buzzing thinking if we can get six, seven or even nine points, it would put us in with a great chance of getting in the play-offs.

“But obviously, it went the wrong way for us.

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“The thing is I don’t think we played badly in any of the games. We got a bit of bad luck and against FC United, we had injuries, which meant we were not a full strength.

“The result against Tamworth was another unfortunate one.

“I don’t think it was their game to win. I think we should have at least drawn or won the game.

“We were the better team, but we just did not create enough chances.”

This weekend, Chorley welcome Gainsborough Trinity to Victory Park

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The Lincolnshire-based outfit are in a mid-table spot and defender Ross is targeting a strong finish to the campaign.

“We want to have a good finish so we can build momentum towards next season,” said Ross.

“We have got Gainsborough next up at home, but I don’t think it matters who we are playing.

“We will be wanting to go out, put in a good performance and show how good we are. When we play well, we can beat any team in this division.”