CHORLEY FC assistant boss Jamie Vermiglio hopes in-form striker Sefton Gonzales can continue his rich vein of form and help the Magpies promotion push this season.

The ex-Clitheroe and Bamber Bridge forward took his tally to seven goals in the Chorley shirt when he scored in the 3-3 draw against FC United of Manchester on Saturday afternoon.

But Vermiglio was keen to stress the young player is still learning his trade.

"He is still developing and has the right attributes to be good at this level.

"He can be a right handful for any defenders and scores goals. He is still learning at this level but has the ability to play at a higher level."

The Magpies managed to earn a share of the spoils on the tough opening day encounter but Vermiglio insists Chorley felt they should have won.

He said: "It was a typical first game of the season.

"We knew we had to be physical and organised and there may not have been as much quality play but we deserve to win.

"But that is the way it goes and we are hoping during the course of the season the luck will balance out."

Next up Chorley take on Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday but they will have to do it without skipper Andy Teague as he was given his marching orders for two yellow-cards against FC United.

Vermiglio said: "The first yellow was for trying to slow them down when they were on the break.

"But the second was late in the game and he should have known better than diving in to keep the ball in play.

"I think the referee was going to use common sense but his assistant flagged to say it was a yellow card and he had to go.

"It is just a shame as we are going to miss him."

Chorley have been keeping tabs on their next opponents ahead of the clash to try to kick-start their season with their first win.

"We watched them on Sunday and they are playing on Tuesday and Smudger (coach Jonathan Smith) is going.

"They have a lot of young up-and-coming players and it could be tough.

"It will be difficult being away and we have a couple of hours drive but we are confident we can come out on top.

"We lost too many games away last season and conceded goals and we have tried to cut that out during pre-season."

Vermiglio is a cult hero for Magpies fans and is in his second spell at the Chorley Group Victory Park.

He took over the role of assistant boss last season when Matt Jansen was elevated to the position of number one after Garry Flitcroft stood down.

He admits he is enjoying his time with the Magpies.

"I think this is the best squad for the nine or 10 seasons I have been with the club.

"There is a lot of strength in depth and competition for places.

"The development squad also is full of talent and we are hoping some of them can come through and play in cup competitions as it is long season."