CHORLEY are up to fourth in the Vanarama Conference North after a fine 3-0 win over Stockport County in midweek.

Garry Flitcroft's side are just four points off top spot following the victory which was achieved with three goals in the final 28 minutes in front of a crowd in excess of 1,600.

Adam Roscoe broke the deadlock just past the hour and 12 minutes later Darren Stephenson doubled the advantage before he added his second and the Magpies third in injury time.

Chorley host basement boys Hyde on Saturday and will be keen to maintain their second half momentum.

The Magpies will be assessing an injury to centre back Tom Smyth after the defender was replaced with a hamstring injury just 10 minutes in but the defensive re-shuffle didn't affect Flitcroft's men in an even first period where chances were at a premium.

The home side thought they should have had a penalty when Chris Simm was felled while Stockport went close through Richie Baker and Scott Spencer.

After the break Roscoe silenced the 554 travelling fans with a header to net his 50th goal for Chorley before Stephenson doubled the lead with a fine finish.

Stockport began to pour forward in search of a route back into the game and Stephenson was able to break clear and add the third in the closing stages.

Elsewhere, Colne were held to a 0-0 draw at Squires Gate in the North West Counties League Premier Division while Evo-Stik League Division One North outfit Clitheroe were dumped out of the Doodson Sport Trophy after a 5-0 reverse at Lancaster City.

The home side were three up at the interval thanks to strikes from Neil Marshall, Reece Pearce and Lee Dodgson before two more goals in three second half minutes from Ryan Winder and Aaron Taylor secured the win.

Clitheroe's exit means that East Lancashire had just two representatives in the draw for the second round and neither are yet though.

Ramsbottom United will travel to Salford City if they get past Burscough in their round one tie while Padiham, who were playing Bamber Bridge last night, will travel to Northwich Victoria if they prevail. The ties will be played on Tuesday, December 2.