CHORLEY'S frustrating inconsistency was again evident as they slipped to an embarrassing defeat against an under strength Gretna team who snatched three priceless points in their bid to avoid relegation from the UniBond First Division.

As an attacking force, Gretna created little but they did succeed in putting the shackles on the Magpies who, without injured play makers Neil Mitchell and Paul Allen, struggled to find a clear opening.

Ian Barker saw a snapshot on the turn flash inches wide from Chorley's first real chance on 26 minutes but the game turned dramatically Gretna's way three minutes before half time.

Ian Gibson was sent off for a retaliatory elbow offence spotted by a lineman as Chorley defended a free kick. The referee awarded a penalty and Martin Henderson netted easily from the spot.

Although the Magpies made most of the running in a dull second half, the closest they came to a goal was when Paul Fleming headed Damien Corcoran's inviting centre disappointingly wide from just six yards.

The visitors' blatant time-wasting only added to Chorley's frustration and three of the Magpies picked up yellow cards but frankly Chorley were not inventive enough to get the better of a poor visiting side.

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