Spennymoor Town 1 Chorley 0: Ramshaw’s early goal the difference
Chorley were left disappointed at the Brewery Field as Spennymoor Town claimed a narrow victory.
Rob Ramshaw’s early strike proved decisive, despite several important saves from Matt Urwin to keep Andy Preece’s side in contention. The result leaves the Magpies 15th in the Enterprise National League North.
The hosts made the breakthrough in just the fourth minute. Urwin produced an initial save, but Ramshaw reacted quickest to follow up and tap home from close range.
Chorley responded positively and enjoyed a strong spell midway through the first half. Jack Sampson forced Brad James into a smart save with a low drive, before Mark Ellis came closest to an equaliser when his effort was tipped on to the crossbar.
Harvey Smith was forced off after 20 minutes, with Sam Bird introduced in central defence.
Adam Blakeman continued to pose a threat from wide areas and set-pieces, delivering a dangerous cross that troubled James, while Tom Carr also saw a teasing ball cleared away.
As Spennymoor regained control before the interval, Chorley had to stay resolute.
Jack Moore produced an outstanding sliding challenge to prevent a second goal, and Urwin was in inspired form late on, denying Glen Taylor and Junior Mondal with two superb back-to-back saves.
Jack Griffiths had a late chance to snatch a point but failed to test James.
Chorley: Urwin, Moore, Ellis, Smith (Bird 20), Blakeman, M. Wilson (Griffiths 82), Calveley, O’Kane, Clarke, Carr, Sampson (Ibbitson 69). Sub (not used): German.