Chorley catch United men cold

 Source: Lancashire Evening Post

 In a 2-0 win Chorley efficiently disposed of an FC United side which only picked up the gauntlet when it was too late.

The hundreds of United followers who boycotted the early kick-off missed an ultimately fiery contest which was spoiled by an officious referee, too ready to reach for his cards, producing six yellows and then two red cards in a turbulent final quarter.

United, attacking a completely deserted away end, could have done with some vocal encouragement, whereas the Magpies, urged on by a lively 1,074 crowd, delivered the goods to return, albeit briefly, to the top of the Premier Division table.

United keeper James Spencer was soon in action, tipping over a drive from Tom Ince, cleverly released by Andy Teague’s wonderful long crossfield pass.

Then Simon Whaley wasted a clear chance, lifting his lob beyond Spencer but a foot wide.

The Magpies seized the lead in the 39th minute.

Adam Roscoe saw a towering header hacked off the United line but the danger was not over and Roscoe was tripped as he turned sharply in the box.

Lee McEvilly calmly scored from the penalty.

Chorley virtually settled the match two minutes into the second half, McEvilly heading square across the box for Teague to beat Spencer with a low shot.

On 78 minutes Steve Flitcroft was sent off following a sliding tackle and the visitors lost Ben Deegan just before the end when he saw red for lunging in on Teague.

Magpies boss Garry Flitcroft said: “We’ve had two tough games this week against sides who are going to be challenging and even with key players missing we’ve turned in a solid performance and fully deserved our victory.’

CHORLEY: Saunders, Brown, Walker, Teague, Russell, Whitham, Roscoe, Flitcroft, Whaley (Cunliffe, 70), McEvilly (Williams, 87), Ince. Unused subs. Maden, Fairhurst, Howarth.

Attendance: 1,074.