CHORLEY claimed the Lancashire Challenge Trophy after a 3-2 final win over Clitheroe but they were made to work hard by a battling Blues side at Bolton Wanderers' Macron Stadium.

Simon Haworth's men, who play two divisions below the Magpies, took the lead midway through the first half when Kurt Willoughby finished smartly.

But Chorley were level before the break thanks to Luke Burgess' penalty before Dale Whitham fired them in front 16 minutes from time.

Clitheroe continued to threaten in the closing stages but Delial Brewster sealed things for Matt Jansen's side in stoppage time.

There was still time for George West to score a superb solo goal for the Blues but it was too little too late.

Both sides had half chances in an end to end start to proceedings while Chorley were forced into an early change when Adam Roscoe was forced off injured with Whitham replacing him.

Moments later Clitheroe took the lead as Willoughby raced clear and finished smartly over the onrushing Matty Urwin.

Danny Brady then saw a header saved by Urwin as the Blues kept up the momentum.

But Chorley were handed a route back into the game from the penalty spot. Burgess was bundled over in the box by Michael Sampson and the forward picked himself up to equalise.

Chorley then carved out a couple of half chances before the interval but the sides went in level at the break.

Clitheroe began the second half the better with Sampson heading wide and Willoughby and West firing over.

But it was the National League North side who found the decisive breakthrough on 74 minutes when Whitham smashed home from the edge of the box after Lee Molyneux's cross had been half cleared.

Brewster had a chance to extend the lead but couldn't find the target after a weaving run before Willoughby forced Urwin into a fine save with a free kick as the Blues looked to find a way back into the tie.

And as they pushed for a leveller, Chorley capitalised on the counter and Brewster fired home a third in added time.

That looked to have secured the silverware but West had other ideas and struck for Clitheroe to halve the deficit with a fine solo goal.

But it was too little too late and it was Chorley who were celebrating a record 18th title in front of a crowd of 828.

Elsewhere, Ramsbottom United fell to a last gasp 3-2 defeat away at Brighouse Town in the Evo-Stik North.

In the Hallmark Security League First Division, Bacup Borough won 2-1 at home to Whitchurch Alport while Nelson and FC Oswestry Town drew 0-0.