CHORLEY hit the top of the Vanarama Conference North last night with a hard-fought 1-0 win over North Ferriby at Victory Park.

Jack Dorney was the goal-scoring hero rounding the keeper to side foot in after 15 minutes.

But Chorley were thankful to a stand-out goalkeeping performance from Sam Ashton who kept out all the visitors could throw at him with a string of fine stops.

The night started in sombre fashion with a minutes silence held for two Magpies; former club captain Phil Marsden, captain and one of the heroes of the 1986 FA Cup side and long-time supporter Roy Gillett.

The attendance of 1,024 was the first midweek four figure league attendance at Victory Park in many years.

On Saturday Chorley hope to consolidate their place at the top as make the trip to the Midlands to face Worcester City.