Brackley Town 0 Chorley 1

CHORLEY secured a first win for five games and a third league double of the season thanks to a Chris Simm header midway through the second half of a low-key contest in which there were few clear-cut scoring chances and little goalmouth excitement.

It was nevertheless a solid performance by a Chorley side showing several enforced changes, owing to the absence of the injured Chris Doyle and Josh Hine and the suspended Andy Teague.

Incidents of note in a quiet first half were the departure through injury of veteran Brackley keeper Billy Turley after just 17 minutes and strident but unheeded claims for a penalty after Mark Ross appeared to handle inside the box during an incisive home attack.

Neither keeper had a serious save to make until Brackley’s deputy keeper Dean Snedker was beaten on 63 minutes.

Acting Chorley captain Dale Whitham, effective in an emergency right-back role, sent James Dean clear down the right and his pinpoint centre was headed past Snedker by Simm.

Although Brackley strove hard to rescue a point the visitors’ defence stood firm and Dean was close to adding a second goal for the Magpies with a clever shot on the turn.

Manager Garry Flitcroft was delighted with a ‘fully deserved’ win.

“We were very solid today and both centre-backs, Mark Ross and Matt Flynn, were outstanding,” said Flintoff.

“We played better against the wind in the second half and produced some good football on a decent surface.

“If we can win at Bradford on Wednesday, we’ll be right back in the mix.”