CHORLEY chairman Peter Mockett is pleased with his side’s recent Northern League form, but knows that can change in an instant, writes TOM SCHOFIELD.

Chorley find themselves fourth in the table having won five matches in a row and are hoping to continue their rise up the table.

Mockett has been pleased with the first half of Chorley’s season and, ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Barrow, the Windsor Road men remain in title contention.

“The first half of the season has gone quite well really, like other teams we’ve benefited from the sunshine and the dry grounds which has helped our batsman,” he said.

“Whilst we had a blip about four weeks ago where we lost one or two on the trot in the league, we’ve picked up again and won our last five, so that’s put us in contention.”

Netherfield currently lead the way at the top of the table, and while Chorley have aspirations of knocking them off their perch, they are aware of just how tough a test that will be.

“You never know with the league,” Mockett added. “Netherfield are a long way away at the moment but with 15 points for a win that goes a long way and you just never know. If you win two or three then up you go, but if you lose a few then you’re looking down.

“We aren’t defeatist at all, but we do realise it’s a massive ask to be able to catch Netherfield but we will keep trying.”

If Chorley are to cut that gap then consistency will be key, something that Mockett realises is going to have a big impact on the final standings.

He added: “The bottom line is consistency, if we can maintain some consistency then who knows. It’s many years since we’ve been at the top but we always pose a challenge to the best teams so we will just have to see.”

Chorley are fighting on two fronts and topped their T20 group to set up a semi-final against Netherfield, with Mockett confident.

He added: “Topping our group is a first for us, we haven’t had that much success in the T20. We have a tough match against Netherfield but in the cup it can go either way.

“Netherfield are a good batting side but the lads are keen and we have one or two hitters ourselves.

“Hopefully we can take advantage of the smaller ground at Broughton, entertain the crowd and at the same time get through to the final.”