Source: Chorley Guardian

 CHORLEY FC boss Garry Flitcroft has told his players to put the misery of failing to get promoted from the Evostik Premier Division North.

The Magpies lost 2-0 to FC United of Manchester on Saturday and Flitcroft had to lift his squad after a disappointing result.

He said: “After the game I told the lads that they had worked hard for me and I want them to keep their heads up.

“We have to win the league next year because I am fed up of qualifying via the play-off and be champions.

“It was a real shame because Ciaran Kilheeney had a great chance before FC United scored.

“They went directly up the pitch and took the lead.

“It could have been so different if that had gone in.

“It was a great achievement to get in the play-offs because earlier in the season we could have gone under.

“I wanted to thank the supporters and businesses for all their help.

“I am starting to talk to players from higher divisions about joining us.

“It means that I cannot rest and I have always tried to strengthen the team each season as I want to win the league next year.”

PHOTO. KEVIN McGUINNESS. Adam Roscoe wins this header for Chorley against FC United of Manchester

 Source: Chorley Guardian

 The Magpies’ dream of back-to-back promotions ended on Saturday as a resurgent FC United side defeated them 2-0, with their fortunes not being aided by two refereeing decisions which could, and possibly should, have gone their way.

It was a cruel end to what has been a fantastic first season back in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League, finishing 3rd in the league and triumphing in the Co-operative Challenge Trophy final at the Reebok Stadium.

Back to the game itself, and the Magpies squandered a very good chance to take the lead early on when Chris Denham found himself in space on the left hand side of the box.

His attempted pass to Foster, however, was cut out. At the other end, a Carlos Roca free-kick caused a mad scramble in the penalty area before it was cleared, then Chorley hit the back of the net through Adam Roscoe only to discover the referee had given a foul on the keeper, although it did seem extremely soft!

Roca, Wolfenden and Norton (twice) all went close but all the efforts were fairly comfortable saves for Russ Saunders.

After the break, Chorley were extremely unlucky not to take the lead, as Ciaran Kilheeney saw his rasping drive smash back into play off the crossbar with James Spencer in the Rebel goal helpless, before FC took the lead from what seemed a very harsh free-kick to give!

The ball was knocked into the penalty area, was only half cleared and Michael Norton, who played using his elbows and head all through the game, showed his tricky side as he turned before curling skilfully into the top-corner of the net.

The Magpies had to respond and they did, with Steve Foster receiving Andy Russell’s pass and finishing, but the referee ruled it out after seeing an infringement to cut short the Magpies’ celebrations.

The game was sealed in harsh fashion, as Chorley were denied a clear penalty when Steve Foster’s back was used as a climbing wall before he was shoved to the ground.

However, the referee failed to whistle, and Ashley Mulholland twisted Andy Teague inside out within the penalty area and finished well.

At 2-0, Chorley’s season was all but over, and the only threatening chance as the game approached full-time was Mulholland failing to reach a low ball across goal where a touch.

The result was perhaps harsh on Chorley, and it was certainly a game which could have gone either way, but the Magpies can certainly look forward to next season with an eye on a stronger push for promotion.

Chorley: Saunders; Ross, Teague, Russell, Ince; Roscoe, Vermiglio, Flitcroft (Cunliffe), Denham; Kilheeney, Foster

Man-of-the-Match: Tom Ince – Solid defensively and always looking to get forward where possible.

 Source: Chorley Guardian

 TICKETS are selling like hot Chorley FC cakes for the Victory Park for the play-off semi-final against FC United of Manchester.

This game has been designated ‘all ticket’ so fans will NOT be able to buy tickets on the day of the game.

So far, the allocation for home fans is 2500 and almost 1000 have been snapped up since they went on sale yesterday afternoon.

So avoid missing out on one of the biggest games of the season, supporters can buy them from the office today (Thursday) and tomorrow between 10am to 10pm.

It’s anticipated the game could be a sell-out as Garry Flitcroft’s Magpies close in on a second successive promotion.

 Source: Chorley Guardian

 CHORLEY FC’S Ken Wright has seen it all from being a player, manager and chairman - but now he believes the glory days are coming back to Victory Park.

Garry Flitcroft’s side edged one step closer to back-to-back promotions by potentially setting up a home play-off final after a convincing 3-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue.

Chorley welcome FC United of Manchester in the first semi-final on Saturday afternoon at 3pm and Wright believes that Chorley have enough in their locker to book their place in the final.

He said: “We have had two great seasons even if we don’t get promoted because there have been some successful performances at this higher level.

“It is happy days for the club and long may it continue.

“We certainly have the fan base to be in the Conference as well as the potential and a great manager to take us forward.

“The fans have been great and we want them to come out just like they did last season for the game against AFC Fylde.”

Chorley held their 200 club raffle on Friday where their new sponsor was revealed.

Wright praised the local businesses for their support.

He believes that the Magpies will not be taking their opponents for granted at the weekend.

He said: “Anything can happen in these one-off games and we are delighted to be here.

“We know whoever we face will be a difficult challenge.