CHORLEY reached the final of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy with a 1-0 win over Lancaster City, writes Niall Concannon.
At the final whistle Magpies boss Matt Jansen said the game was a ‘potential banana skin’ after Jason Walker's goal on 17 minutes separated the sides with Lancaster giving a spirited and determined performance.
Lancaster started the brighter and striker Charlie Bailey almost opened the scoring after three minutes, leaping well to attack a great cross by Sam Bailey only to be denied by a fantastic point-blank save by Chorley keeper Matt Urwin.
Lancaster continued to push for an opener with Bailey and Ryan Winder going close.
Chorley came into the game and opened the scoring when Walker finished after Delial Brewster's fine run and shot had been pushed into his path by City goalkeeper Elliot Wayne.
Lancaster shaded the first half but Chorley came out of the blocks quickly after the break and missed a couple of chances before Luke Burgess shot wide when well placed.
Connor Simpson was denied by Urwin on the hour as Phil Brown's side searched for a way back into the contest.
But Chorley closed out the game well to secure a spot in the final against Clitheroe at Bolton Wanderers' Macron Stadium on Monday, April 23.
And Jansen was pleased with his side's display.
“It was a professional performance," he said. "The first half was nip and tuck, but in the second half I think we were a little bit better, and a little bit more professional.”
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