Tamworth    0   Chorley    3

CHORLEY will not collect three points more easily this season.

The home side was in disarray by half-time, reduced to nine men by two straight red cards, and the Lambs and their fans clearly felt well and truly fleeced in a critical five-minute spell just before the break when the referee also overruled his linesman and awarded Chorley a second goal.

But in truth the official’s interventions, while undoubtedly smoothing the Magpies’ path to victory, did not disguise the fact that the visitors had looked destined for success from the start.

Bristling with purpose, Chorley repeatedly stretched the home defence with incisive build-ups and searching crosses before Tamworth’s woes began on 28 minutes, full-back Shane Clarke seeing red for a scything touchline challenge on Jack Dorney.

But the real damage was done in that pre-interval mayhem.

Chorley took the lead on 40 minutes when Jake Cottrell floated over a left-wing centre which Josh Hine headed in unchallenged at the far post.

Three minutes later, another left-wing cross was met by James Dean who flicked the ball into the top corner of the net but goal-celebrations were put on hold as the linesman’s flag was raised for offside.

However, after a brief consultation, the referee allowed the goal to stand to the consternation of Tamworth and their vociferous fans.

Worse was to follow for the Lambs seconds before the break.

Cottrell was felled by a stray elbow in an aerial challenge with Paul Green and the home skipper was promptly sent off. Chorley were content to play possession football at length in a low-key second half but spirited Tamworth kept on battling.

Michael Townsend almost deceived the under-employed Sam Ashton with a 25-yards’ floater which bounced on the bar, then the hard-working Dave Hibbert glanced a header just past the far post.

The Magpies finally underlined their victory four minutes from time with a fine goal of classic simplicity.

Darren Stephenson broke away down the left before squaring the ball perfectly for Hine, up in support, to score easily.

And there was still time for Kyle Jacobs to rattle a post with a cracking 20-yards’ drive, as buoyant Chorley climbed into third place two points behind leaders Barrow.