Source: Chorley Citizen
CHORLEY start their season at Stocksbridge Park Steels tonight aiming for promotion once more after narrowly missing out in the play-offs last term.
The Magpies were unable to secure their ascent to Blue Square North after losing in the Evo-Stik Premier Division play-off semi finals to FC United, but chairman Ken Wright is hopeful that they can challenge again this time around.
Manager Garry Flitcroft, who did guide Chorley to promotion from First Division North a year ago, has added goalkeeper Andy Robertson as well as defenders Kieran Walmsley and Simon Garner to his squad.
Chorley’s opening game has been brought forward to tonight because of a clash with cricket fixtures at Stocksbridge.
“We had a decent season last season and we’d like to go one better,” Wright said.
“Of course we were disappointed to lose in the play-offs, and Bradford Park Avenue went up who a week earlier we’d beaten.
“But we know the rules before the start of the season. I would like to see two automatic places and one through the play-offs right through the pyramid system, but that’s just my personal belief.
“The ideal way of course would be to finish top, but no-one has a divine right. No-one is taking anything for granted.
“Hednesford did well last season, FC United are still there, Blyth Spartans have come down, Ilkeston have come up have backing and AFC Fylde have backing too.
“But we have tried to strengthen again this summer.”
Showing posts with label Chorley Citizen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chorley Citizen. Show all posts
Friday, August 17, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Chorley hopes get the chop
Source: Chorley Citizen
Chorley’s dreams of a second successive promotion were shattered in front of an expectant 2,754 crowd in a scrappy Evo-Stik League Premier Division play-off semi-final not without controversy.
FC United were good value for their victory, generally playing the more cohesive football.
The visitors were stronger and Magpies’ strike pair, Ciaran Kilheeney and Steve Foster, lacked support.
The Reds had the better of a sterile first half but proceedings livened up considerably after the interval and within minutes Kilheeney rattled the United bar with from 12 yards. Had that effort counted, it could have been different.
As it was, the dangerous Mike Norton put United ahead on 62 minutes with a quality strike.
The introduction of John Cunliffe brought more composure to Chorley’s approach work but two controversialdecisions went against the Magpies as first Steve Foster had a goal disallowed for handball and then they believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Chris Denham was flattened.
And they were made to pay when Astley Mulholland wrapped up the win for United.
Chorley’s dreams of a second successive promotion were shattered in front of an expectant 2,754 crowd in a scrappy Evo-Stik League Premier Division play-off semi-final not without controversy.
FC United were good value for their victory, generally playing the more cohesive football.
The visitors were stronger and Magpies’ strike pair, Ciaran Kilheeney and Steve Foster, lacked support.
The Reds had the better of a sterile first half but proceedings livened up considerably after the interval and within minutes Kilheeney rattled the United bar with from 12 yards. Had that effort counted, it could have been different.
As it was, the dangerous Mike Norton put United ahead on 62 minutes with a quality strike.
The introduction of John Cunliffe brought more composure to Chorley’s approach work but two controversialdecisions went against the Magpies as first Steve Foster had a goal disallowed for handball and then they believed they should have been awarded a penalty when Chris Denham was flattened.
And they were made to pay when Astley Mulholland wrapped up the win for United.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Chorley's play-off dream dies
Source: Chorley Citizen
CHORLEY'S dreams of a place in the Blue Square Bet North were ended this afternoon as they were beaten 2-0 by FC United of Manchester in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division play-off semi-final.
A crowd of more than 2,700 turned out at Victory Park to cheer Garry Flitcroft's Magpoes on but their dreams were ruined by second half goals from Michael Norton and Astley Mulholland.
FC United will now play Bradford Park Avenue in the final next week with a place in the Blue Square Bet Premier at stake.
The White Rose side thumped Hednesford 5-0 this afternoon.
CHORLEY'S dreams of a place in the Blue Square Bet North were ended this afternoon as they were beaten 2-0 by FC United of Manchester in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division play-off semi-final.
A crowd of more than 2,700 turned out at Victory Park to cheer Garry Flitcroft's Magpoes on but their dreams were ruined by second half goals from Michael Norton and Astley Mulholland.
FC United will now play Bradford Park Avenue in the final next week with a place in the Blue Square Bet Premier at stake.
The White Rose side thumped Hednesford 5-0 this afternoon.
Monday, December 05, 2011
FC United 0 Chorley 0
Source: Chorley Citizen
Chorley cast aside their off-the-field cash-flow problems to produce a professional performance which stifled a well-drilled United side in a finely-balanced contest at Gigg Lane.
Given tremendous backing by some 200 supporters in a crowd of 2,075, the Magpies were good value for their point after weathering an early onslaught.
United’s Astley Mulholland fired wide from an inviting Lee Neville centre and then Dean Stott unaccountably missed the target after sidestepping Magpies’ keeper Russ Saunders.
As Chorley fought their way into the match, Chris Denham, racing onto a fine through pass, got the ball beyond keeper James Spencer but was unlucky to see it roll inches past the far post.
Then the lively Denham forced Spencer into an impressive diving save to keep out a fierce snap-shot.
The visitors’ best effort soon followed, a thunderous 25 yards’ free-kick by Adam Roscoe which rattled the bar with Spencer well beaten. But United were always dangerous and Saunders did well to change direction and grab a deflected shot from Neville.
Chorley withstood renewed home pressure after the break before hitting back through Denham whose powerful 20-yards’ drive was tipped over by Spencer. As the absorbing game entered its final quarter, United raised the tempo and Saunders alertly back-pedalled to hold a clever Mike Norton lob under the bar.
United came closest to breaking the deadlock six minutes from time when Matt Wolfenden’s header from a partially-cleared corner rebounded from the foot of a post.
In a Chorley breakaway in the first minute of added time, Denham burst into the box and went down under a token challenge. Harshly booked in the game’s first minute, Denham was given a second caution for ‘diving’ and shown the red card, an unfortunate finale to a highly creditable Chorley display in which centre-back Wayne Maden was outstanding.
8:54am Monday 5th December 2011 in Sport
Chorley cast aside their off-the-field cash-flow problems to produce a professional performance which stifled a well-drilled United side in a finely-balanced contest at Gigg Lane.
Given tremendous backing by some 200 supporters in a crowd of 2,075, the Magpies were good value for their point after weathering an early onslaught.
United’s Astley Mulholland fired wide from an inviting Lee Neville centre and then Dean Stott unaccountably missed the target after sidestepping Magpies’ keeper Russ Saunders.
As Chorley fought their way into the match, Chris Denham, racing onto a fine through pass, got the ball beyond keeper James Spencer but was unlucky to see it roll inches past the far post.
Then the lively Denham forced Spencer into an impressive diving save to keep out a fierce snap-shot.
The visitors’ best effort soon followed, a thunderous 25 yards’ free-kick by Adam Roscoe which rattled the bar with Spencer well beaten. But United were always dangerous and Saunders did well to change direction and grab a deflected shot from Neville.
Chorley withstood renewed home pressure after the break before hitting back through Denham whose powerful 20-yards’ drive was tipped over by Spencer. As the absorbing game entered its final quarter, United raised the tempo and Saunders alertly back-pedalled to hold a clever Mike Norton lob under the bar.
United came closest to breaking the deadlock six minutes from time when Matt Wolfenden’s header from a partially-cleared corner rebounded from the foot of a post.
In a Chorley breakaway in the first minute of added time, Denham burst into the box and went down under a token challenge. Harshly booked in the game’s first minute, Denham was given a second caution for ‘diving’ and shown the red card, an unfortunate finale to a highly creditable Chorley display in which centre-back Wayne Maden was outstanding.
8:54am Monday 5th December 2011 in Sport
Friday, October 23, 2009
UniBond League preview
Source: Chorley Citizen
9:15am Friday 23rd October 2009
CLITHEROE are still smarting after dominating their UniBond Division One (North) match against Leigh Genesis in midweek, only to go down to two hotly disputed penalties in the dying moments of the game.
But there were some plus points for the Blues with left winger Danny Williams, formerly of FC United, and striker Nathan Taylor ex-Gretna catching the eye.
Manager Peter Smith will hope to build on that for tomorrow’s game at Radcliffe Borough and will have striker Jerrome Matthews in the squad for the last time before a four match ban for a red card kicks in.
Centre-back Ian Flannery has re-signed for the club from Lancaster City, while Danny Toronczak has signed forms as cover but striker Marcus Calvert has gone on loan to Nelson.
After their recent cup excursions, Chorley manager Steve Waywell is now looking forward to his side consolidating their place in the league.
And they made great strides towards that with a midweek win over AFC Fylde in a match that Waywell described as one of the club’s biggest of the season.
“We have had our run in the FA Cup and FA Trophy but it was important we got back towards achieving our major aim this season, which is trying to get into the play-off places. And to do that it was important we did well against Fylde,” he explained.
“It really was important for us to do well and now we want to carry on that good work against Prescot Cables tomorrow.”
Rossendale, sitting next to bottom of the table, welcome Warrington Town at Dark Lane tomorrow hoping to end a run of five games without a league win.
Their latest defeat came in a midweek 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ossett Albion but manager John Hughes will want his side to get the better of a Warrington outfit that lie just six places ahead of them.
9:15am Friday 23rd October 2009
CLITHEROE are still smarting after dominating their UniBond Division One (North) match against Leigh Genesis in midweek, only to go down to two hotly disputed penalties in the dying moments of the game.
But there were some plus points for the Blues with left winger Danny Williams, formerly of FC United, and striker Nathan Taylor ex-Gretna catching the eye.
Manager Peter Smith will hope to build on that for tomorrow’s game at Radcliffe Borough and will have striker Jerrome Matthews in the squad for the last time before a four match ban for a red card kicks in.
Centre-back Ian Flannery has re-signed for the club from Lancaster City, while Danny Toronczak has signed forms as cover but striker Marcus Calvert has gone on loan to Nelson.
After their recent cup excursions, Chorley manager Steve Waywell is now looking forward to his side consolidating their place in the league.
And they made great strides towards that with a midweek win over AFC Fylde in a match that Waywell described as one of the club’s biggest of the season.
“We have had our run in the FA Cup and FA Trophy but it was important we got back towards achieving our major aim this season, which is trying to get into the play-off places. And to do that it was important we did well against Fylde,” he explained.
“It really was important for us to do well and now we want to carry on that good work against Prescot Cables tomorrow.”
Rossendale, sitting next to bottom of the table, welcome Warrington Town at Dark Lane tomorrow hoping to end a run of five games without a league win.
Their latest defeat came in a midweek 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ossett Albion but manager John Hughes will want his side to get the better of a Warrington outfit that lie just six places ahead of them.
Monday, January 14, 2008
FC United 2 Chorley 1
By Mike Dawber
Chorley were desperately unlucky not to take anything from this match after a brave enterprising performance against the high-flying 'rebel' team, despite playing most of the match with ten men.
A quality Football League standard surface invites good passing football and both sides responded in a highly entertaining match which saw both teams create plenty scoring chances.
The Magpies stunned the home side in the eighth minute when Stephen Burke latched on to a magnificent pass from Mike Eckersley and outpaced the defence before hitting a rocket of a shot to beat the keeper from a tight angle.
Just as Chorley were looking to consolidate their lead, however, midfielder Gavin-Lee Ellison was sent off in 20th minute, when he uncharacteristically retaliated to a strong challenge by grabbing an opponent's shirt just yards from the referee.
Magpies manager Gerry Luczka soon shuffled his formation as a result with striker Chris McDonagh being replaced with midflelder Greg Traynor.
Burke, now the lone striker, again used his pace to create a chance but this time shot wide.
FC United were playing some neat football but the Chorley defence, well marshalled by captain Martin Clark, was proving hard to break down although Magpies keeper Peter Collinge was forced to make a brilliant reaction save as United pressed forward.
The equaliser came five minutes before half time from a free kick on the edge of the box which Rory Patterson appeared to strike the kick around what looked a badly positioned wall.
United now took the initiative and a shot first hit the woodwork, while another cannoned off the bar, while Collinge made a good save with his legs from close range, as the scores remained level at the break.
Any thoughts that the Magpies may try to settle for a point were soon dispelled as they poured forward at the start of the second half with Mark Drew, Chris Brookes and Steve Burke all had shots blocked.
Maybe Chorley fans realised it wasn't going to be their day when Traynor found himself in the box with just the keeper to beat and Burke unmarked to his right but he elected to shot and his tame effort was easily saved.
FC United now began to make their numerical advantage count as they create their own chances and Collinge was relieved to see a header go just over, while Patterson shot over the bar from close range.
Chorley were still finding it easy to open up the hoem defence though, and only a combination of the post and a scrambled save kept out a free kick from Mark Drew.
United took the lead in the 76th minute, with a Simon Carden header.
A double substitution for Chorley then saw Chris Brookes and Mark Drew replaced with Danny Nolan and Kenny Mayers.
United could have sealed the win when they were awarded a penalty but the spot kick hit the post.
Chorley came close to claiming a share of the spoils when Danny Nolan was fouled just outside the box but Traynor's free kick was hit just over the bar.
The Magpies players left the field to rapturous applause from the sizeable travelling contingent at full time and, if Chorley can continue to produce performances as spirited as this, they will surely have an excellent chance of pulling clear of the relegation zone.
10:07am
14/01/2008
Chorley were desperately unlucky not to take anything from this match after a brave enterprising performance against the high-flying 'rebel' team, despite playing most of the match with ten men.
A quality Football League standard surface invites good passing football and both sides responded in a highly entertaining match which saw both teams create plenty scoring chances.
The Magpies stunned the home side in the eighth minute when Stephen Burke latched on to a magnificent pass from Mike Eckersley and outpaced the defence before hitting a rocket of a shot to beat the keeper from a tight angle.
Just as Chorley were looking to consolidate their lead, however, midfielder Gavin-Lee Ellison was sent off in 20th minute, when he uncharacteristically retaliated to a strong challenge by grabbing an opponent's shirt just yards from the referee.
Magpies manager Gerry Luczka soon shuffled his formation as a result with striker Chris McDonagh being replaced with midflelder Greg Traynor.
Burke, now the lone striker, again used his pace to create a chance but this time shot wide.
FC United were playing some neat football but the Chorley defence, well marshalled by captain Martin Clark, was proving hard to break down although Magpies keeper Peter Collinge was forced to make a brilliant reaction save as United pressed forward.
The equaliser came five minutes before half time from a free kick on the edge of the box which Rory Patterson appeared to strike the kick around what looked a badly positioned wall.
United now took the initiative and a shot first hit the woodwork, while another cannoned off the bar, while Collinge made a good save with his legs from close range, as the scores remained level at the break.
Any thoughts that the Magpies may try to settle for a point were soon dispelled as they poured forward at the start of the second half with Mark Drew, Chris Brookes and Steve Burke all had shots blocked.
Maybe Chorley fans realised it wasn't going to be their day when Traynor found himself in the box with just the keeper to beat and Burke unmarked to his right but he elected to shot and his tame effort was easily saved.
FC United now began to make their numerical advantage count as they create their own chances and Collinge was relieved to see a header go just over, while Patterson shot over the bar from close range.
Chorley were still finding it easy to open up the hoem defence though, and only a combination of the post and a scrambled save kept out a free kick from Mark Drew.
United took the lead in the 76th minute, with a Simon Carden header.
A double substitution for Chorley then saw Chris Brookes and Mark Drew replaced with Danny Nolan and Kenny Mayers.
United could have sealed the win when they were awarded a penalty but the spot kick hit the post.
Chorley came close to claiming a share of the spoils when Danny Nolan was fouled just outside the box but Traynor's free kick was hit just over the bar.
The Magpies players left the field to rapturous applause from the sizeable travelling contingent at full time and, if Chorley can continue to produce performances as spirited as this, they will surely have an excellent chance of pulling clear of the relegation zone.
10:07am
14/01/2008
Monday, October 01, 2007
Chorley 0 FC United 3
CHORLEY were given a chasing by a very impressive FC United team who were full value for this clear-cut victory.
Home keeper Peter Collinge distinguished himself with several smart saves, but his opposite number had relatively little serious work to do.
The home side strove in vain to get back into the match once United had taken an early lead on 13 minutes, Stuart Rudd accepting a simple chance in front of goal after a United shot had been charged down.
Chorley's best effort, from Lee Shillito at short range, was well saved by Sam Ashton and United immediately raced away for Rory Patterson to complete a flowing move with a neat second goal on 38 minutes.
Chorley enjoyed a brief spell of pressure after the break and Dave German fired just over after smart approach work, but the irrepressible Patterson sealed United's victory on the hour, gliding home Shaun Roscoe's inviting pull-back from the by-line.
10:38am today
Home keeper Peter Collinge distinguished himself with several smart saves, but his opposite number had relatively little serious work to do.
The home side strove in vain to get back into the match once United had taken an early lead on 13 minutes, Stuart Rudd accepting a simple chance in front of goal after a United shot had been charged down.
Chorley's best effort, from Lee Shillito at short range, was well saved by Sam Ashton and United immediately raced away for Rory Patterson to complete a flowing move with a neat second goal on 38 minutes.
Chorley enjoyed a brief spell of pressure after the break and Dave German fired just over after smart approach work, but the irrepressible Patterson sealed United's victory on the hour, gliding home Shaun Roscoe's inviting pull-back from the by-line.
10:38am today
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Bumper crowd expected for United ‘rebel team’ visit
By Mike Dawber
A bumper crowd is expected at the Chorley Nissan Victory Park Stadium on Saturday for the visit of rebel' team FC United of Manchester.
Newly promoted FC United regularly attract attendances in excess of 2,000 for home fixtures and are likely to bring a sizeable travelling support for the match against the Magpies.
It has been a mixed start to the season for United who lost their first league two matches of the season but won their next two.
They then were defeated 2-1 at Fleetwood in the FA Cup and could only draw away at Woodley Sports last week.
Chorley are desperate to pick up points after last week's heavy defeat at Newcastle Blue Star which has left team fourth from bottom in the UniBond Division One North table having managed just one win in their first seven league matches.
Following police advice, there will be segregation in place for Saturday's game with FC United.
Travelling fans will be using the Duke Street stand and Ashby Street banking, while home supporters will be located in the Main Stand and Pilling Lane end.
There will some light segregation in place that will be maintained and managed by stewards throughout the game.
Chorley fans must access these area by walking behind the Duke Street.
In addition to the main turnstiles at the front gate, the Pilling Lane/Rangletts turnstiles will also be open from approximately 1.15pm.
If anyone wishes to help out on the day please contact Phil Haslam by mobile on 07779 281339 or at the club office on 01257 263406
9:21am today
A bumper crowd is expected at the Chorley Nissan Victory Park Stadium on Saturday for the visit of rebel' team FC United of Manchester.
Newly promoted FC United regularly attract attendances in excess of 2,000 for home fixtures and are likely to bring a sizeable travelling support for the match against the Magpies.
It has been a mixed start to the season for United who lost their first league two matches of the season but won their next two.
They then were defeated 2-1 at Fleetwood in the FA Cup and could only draw away at Woodley Sports last week.
Chorley are desperate to pick up points after last week's heavy defeat at Newcastle Blue Star which has left team fourth from bottom in the UniBond Division One North table having managed just one win in their first seven league matches.
Following police advice, there will be segregation in place for Saturday's game with FC United.
Travelling fans will be using the Duke Street stand and Ashby Street banking, while home supporters will be located in the Main Stand and Pilling Lane end.
There will some light segregation in place that will be maintained and managed by stewards throughout the game.
Chorley fans must access these area by walking behind the Duke Street.
In addition to the main turnstiles at the front gate, the Pilling Lane/Rangletts turnstiles will also be open from approximately 1.15pm.
If anyone wishes to help out on the day please contact Phil Haslam by mobile on 07779 281339 or at the club office on 01257 263406
9:21am today
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
