Gloucester City 2

Chorley 2

DOWN to 10 men for almost two thirds of a lively contest, Chorley twice came from behind to claim a well-deserved point – but it was not enough to guarantee a place in the play-offs.

Now lying sixth, a win for the Magpies over FC Halifax on the final day will see them into the play-offs as the two sides immediately above them - Salford City and Darlington - play each other.

A draw would still be enough if Darlington win while results might not matter if Darlo’s appeal against the National League’s decision to exclude them from the play-offs on ground issues fails.

Saturday was a typical battling display by Matt Jansen’s men but City went ahead in the eighth minute against the run of play.

Joe Hanks hoisted a free-kick into the box where Luke Hopper guided a volley past debutant keeper Christian Dibble, an emergency loan signing from Nuneaton.

Chorley equalised on 21 minutes when Dale Whitham flicked a header into the bottom corner, but parity lasted just three minutes.

Andy Teague was guilty of a mistimed challenge in the penalty area and Hanks scored from the spot.

The Magpies suffered a real blow in the 34th minute when striker Jack Sampson was shown a straight red card for an elbow offence; not only will he now miss the crucial clash against Halifax but also the play-offs should Chorley be involved.

As the visitors strove to recover, Dibble pulled off a great save from a downward header before Chorley were thrown a lifeline on 45 minutes when Whitham headed a free-kick against the far post and Jason Walker was first to react to slip the rebound into the net.

Walker should have had another goal 12 minutes into the second half when he met a superb centre from Marcus Carver at the back post but, with the goal gaping, he shot into the side-netting.

The final chance fell to Walker but Jasbir Singh proved equal to the task as he dived to save.

So it’s all to play for as Victory Park hosts a massive final game next Saturday.