CHORLEY missed the opportunity to close in on the frontrunners in the Vanarama Conference North title-race.

In a tough scrap on a poor surface, the relegation-threatened guests rode their luck when Chorley got on top in the second half. But City were gifted the points 12 minutes from time at Victory Park when Andy Teague headed into his own net.

Against the run of play, the Magpies took the lead with a fine goal on 11 minutes. Josh Hine slipped a great ball through for James Dean to chase down the right and he produced a smart finish with a low drive from a tight angle.

The Tigers deservedly equalised in the 31st minute, following a corner. Sam Ashton pushed against the bar Jack Harris’ powerful header — and Chris Knowles was quickest to react, forcing the ball into the net from five yards. Dean appeared to have put Chorley back in front but the ‘goal’ was disallowed, much to the disgust of home fans in the crowd of 958.

The decisive goal was a disaster for Teague. He seemed harshly penalised just inside the Chorley half — and when the free-kick was swung into the goalmouth, he headed the ball past Ashton.