CHORLEY have been given a boost ahead of their National League trip to Alfreton Town tomorrow with the news that Jake Cottrell has agreed a new 18-month contract with the club.

The midfielder had been the subject of an approach from a divisional rival but Cottrell has opted to remain at Victory Park.

Cottrell joined Chorley from FC United in 2013 and has been an integral member of the squad since.

The news will be welcome for Magpies fans who saw forward Josh Hine leave the club for Evo-Stik League Premier Division side Salford City earlier in the week.

On the pitch Chorley will be hoping for three points from their trip to Derbyshire tomorrow as they bid to stay in touch with the play-off pack.

Matt Jansen's side begin the weekend ninth, 14 points off the top five, but with up to four games in hand on sides above them.

Alfreton are down in 13th.

Meanwhile, Chorley's trip to Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday night has been postponed after the Yorkshire club drew with Nantwich Town in an FA Trophy tie this week. That replay will now take place on Wednesday with a new date yet to be announced for the Magpies' league trip.