CHORLEY’s nine-match unbeaten run ended in disappointing fashion and to some extent they gift-wrapped the three points for the home side by conceding two penalties.

In the end, on the homeward leg of their 500-miles round-trip, the Magpies and their sizeable loyal following were left to reflect on costly individual errors of judgement which resulted in the two spot-kicks.

But it wasn’t all down to the penalties, as Chorley were unable to take an early grip on the game and found themselves two-down after 17 minutes. Nor were they able to create enough in the final third of the field to claw back the two goals and they trailed 3-0 before Andy Teague finally put them on the scoresheet.

Even the dismissal of Lowestoft’s Erkan Okay for a second bookable offence 10 minutes from time failed to spark a productive late Magpies’ rally.

Jake Reed slotted home the Trawlermen’s 13th minute opener and four minutes later, an ill-judged dash from goal by Sam Ashton and mistimed challenge for the ball on Shaun Bammant gave Jack Ainsley the chance to double that lead from the spot.

As Chorley began to look dangerous in the later stages of the half and Adam Mather drilled a free-kick just over the bar before Teague was unlucky to see a header clip the post. Soon after the restart, James Dean fired straight at the keeper but Lowestoft went further ahead after 56 minutes from Ainsley’s second penalty.

Five minutes later Teague atoned by heading home from a free-kick but for all their pressing Chorley could not find the net again as a well-organised Lowestoft defiantly held on for victory – even when a man short.

It was a bad day for Chorley (now fifth) to lose, with the top three all winning, along with Solihull (up to fourth), Oxford City and fast-improving Worcester City who closed the gap on the play-offs places.