Magpies dig deep for draw A GRITTY performance by Chorley confirmed manager Ken Wright's pre-match view that a draw would be a great result for his depleted side from this tough UniBond First Division fixture.

In fact it was better still, as the Magpies played almost two-thirds of the match with only ten men after defender Mark Court was sent off for a dangerous two-footed tackle.

The Magpies' hero was keeper Simon Marsh who dealt confidently with all Witton's best efforts, particularly in the first half when Albion were asking all the questions.

He produced a splendid save to keep out a Paul Pritchard header and then an even better one to tip round the post a perfectly-placed effort from just six yards by Paul Hennin.

But credit must go to the whole Chorley team who worked tirelessly to make light of the absence of three suspended first-choice defenders.

Their spirit was typified by creative midfielder Peter Smyth who popped up on the goal-line to clear another Hennin header on the stroke of half-time.

The Magpies enjoyed a greater share of possession in the second half but had one real escape when Dave Anane broke through and drew Marsh from goal, only to place his shot wide.

In the later stages, however, it was Chorley who came closest to snatching all three points.

Albion keeper Dean Greygoose did well to parry a fierce shot from Matt Swailes after good work by substitute David Eatock, and Witton escaped again in the last minute. Greygoose unaccountably picked up a back pass and from Smyth's close-range free-kick Greg Challender volleyed just a foot too high.