CHORLEY suffered a New Year blow when they came unstuck in Southport as the hosts scrapped out a flattering 3-0 victory for their first home win in four months.

David Morgan, Nathan Sheron and Jack Sampson were all on target as the Magpies once again created plenty of chances, but couldn’t make their superiority count.

Matt Jansen made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.

There was a boost as Stephen Jordan returned to make up a back three in place of Dale Whitham, and Jake Cottrell replaced Matty Hughes in midfield. Southport were unchanged.

Jansen’s side started with real intent as they tried to take advantage of a nervy-looking home defence.

Four successive corners produced three blocked efforts from Josh O’Keefe, Scott Leather and Nick Haughton, before Jason Walker volleyed just over.

Marcus Carver then pounced on a defensive lapse but could not find the back of the net.

Also a Cottrell cross-shot from a raking ball by Haughton was deflected past an onrushing Walker.

It looked only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken, unfortunately after Scott Leather and Adam Blakeman both limped off it was the Sandgrounders who opened the scoring.

On one of their first meaningful attacks Josh Hine collected an overhit cross and teed up Morgan to fire home across Matt Urwin from the edge of the area.

The Magpies responded with efforts from Haughton, who had an effort cleared off the line after outrunning Southport’s backline, and an Andy Teague header from a corner.

By the time the second half got underway the wind and rain had dropped a little, but the pitch continued to prove testing. Teague had the best effort in a lacklustre opening 10 minutes, firing over following a scrambled corner. Southport, using the marginal wind to their advantage, countered with a Jordan Hallam effort, but both teams continued to battle with the conditions.

Sub Dan Mooney shot wide from distance, and Josh O’Keefe hit the bar with a header, as Chorley tried to force an equaliser.

But with the clock winding down,Sheron blocked Matt Challoner’s attempted clearance on the halfway line, ran in on goal, and beat Urwin to end the tie as a contest.

Former Magpie Sampson’s last-minute tap in from a yard out added insult to injury.

Chorley drew with Southport in their Boxing Day clash with Southport.