CHORLEY are nearly £10,000 better off and already into the first round FA Cup after being handed an unlikely bye.
Clitheroe and Ramsbottom also met in an eagerly-anticipated derby in midweek.
It’s all in our latest non-league round-up.
MAGPIES HIT FA CUP JACKPOT
Chorley have set a new personal best by reaching the FA Cup first round proper for a record-breaking fourth consecutive season, after benefitting from a bye.
Having knocked York City out of the competition on Tuesday night, thanks to a battling 1-0 win, the Magpies went into the hat for the fourth round qualifying.
But as the last ball drawn out of the northern section, live on talkSPORT2, Jamie Vermiglio’s men have gone straight into the first round proper without kicking a ball, due to the winding up of National League Macclesfield Town last month.
And the club are not just making history – progressing will put £9,375 into the coffers.
The first round draw is set to take place on October 26.
Chorley return to National League North action tomorrow, at Southport.
CLITHEROE GET THE BETTER OF RAMMY
David Lynch feels a “togetherness on the pitch” has been a big factor in Clitheroe’s unbeaten start to the season.
Neighbouring Ramsbottom provided arguably the toughest test so far for the Blues, arriving at Shawbridge with a 100 per cent record from their opening four league games.
But Clitheroe continued their fine form with a 3-1 home win, thanks to goals from Danny Wilkins, Kielan Adams and Terry Cummings, with Tony Donaldson on the scoresheet for the visitors to make it 2-1 at half-time.
The result stretched the Blues’ unbeaten run to six games and moves Lynch’s men to within two points of NPL North-West Division leaders Dunston, who they face in the FA Trophy tomorrow.
“I was so proud watching that and I think if I was a Clitheroe fan I would be proud of that performance,” said Lynch, whose side played in front of a new ‘capacity’ crowd of 400.
“The levels just keep going up and all the credit must go to the players.
“You can see the togetherness on the pitch. I can’t single anybody out.
“It was an all-round team performance and that’s what it’s all about and has been from the start.”
Clitheroe take a break from league action this weekend to take on league rivals Dunston in the FA Trophy at the UTS Stadium.
SIX OF THE BEST FOR COLNE
Colne came back from behind to romp to a 6-2 home win over Pontefract Collieries on Tuesday.
Once Tom Dean got them on the front foot soon after Reece Webb-Foster’s equaliser they never looked back and Jamie Cooke scored twice in the space of two minutes just after the half-hour.
Dean scored a second five minutes into the second half before Alex Dodd wrapped up the win, which puts Colne third in the table, with Ramsbottom fourth.
The Rams are away to Worksop Town in the Trophy, while Colne have been drawn away to Widnes.
NORTH WEST COUNTIES LATEST
Bacup Borough also celebrated a 6-2 victory in midweek, with Michael Gervin scoring a hat-trick of penalties against Chadderton in North West Counties League First Division North.
Alex Mellor found the net in first-half stoppage time while Toby Wright hit a second half brace.
They are away to Golcar United tomorrow, who subjected AFC Darwen to a late 3-2 home defeat in midweek. Ryan Steele scored twice to pull it back to 2-2 but Michael Fish struck in the 88th minute.
AFC Darwen will hope to bounce back away to phoenix club Bury AFC tomorrow.
Nelson showed great spirit but slipped to a stoppage time defeat away to Cleator Moor Celtic. They entertain Ashington at Little Wembley in the FA Vase second qualifying round tomorrow.
In the North West Counties League Premier Division, Barnoldswick Town lost 3-0 at home to 1874 Northwich on Tuesday. They travel to take on Winsford United tomorrow.
Padiham are without a game this weekend.
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