CHORLEY'S slim hopes of gaining promotion to a revamped UniBond Premier Division finally came to an abrupt end in Cumbria last night

The Magpies had to beat Kendal Town and then Ossett on Saturday and hope that results went for them elsewhere.

But Jim McBride's team could only manage a 1-1 draw at in-form Kendal.

The Cumbrians took a 20th minute lead through Dene Whittal-Williams who raced 40 yards before beating Lee Bracey from the edge of the box.

Chorley substitute Neil Smith then set-up a grandstand finish with a thunderous volley from David Eatock's corner in the 85th minute but the Magpies couldn't find a winner.

ROSSENDALE UNITED kept their promotion hopes alive with a battling 4-2 win against high flying Lincoln United.

Having taken a 3-1 lead by half-time, Dale survived a second half onslaught to hold out for a vital three points.

Ian Barker headed home Doni Clarke's cross after just three minutes but Lincoln hit back through Mark Hone 12 minutes later.

The remainder of the half belonged to Dale and deservedly regained the lead on 33 minutes when an unmarked Chris Brooks headed home Dave Gamble's corner from six yards.

Paul Miller then volleyed home to make it 3-1 just before the break from Gamble's low free kick.

Ian Wilkins pulled a goal back on the hour for Lincoln as they dominated for long periods.

Dale were denied a penalty but that was soon forgotten when Mark Beard completed the scoring in injury time with a superb finish from a tight angle.

DARWEN completed part one of their promotion mission with a 4-2 win over NWCL Division Two side Castleton Gabriels.

Steve Wilkes' side stormed into a 2-0 lead when Steve Pickup scored his first goal for the club on 20 minutes from Denny Khan's cross, then Khan fired in Pickup's delivery from the edge of the box.

Castleton pulled a goal back just before the break then equalised early in the second half.

But Darwen responded well and were back in front after just 90 seconds as Dennis Hill smashed a volley into the top corner.

Almond compelted the scoring with 15 minutes to go.

NELSON ended their season on a losing note, going down 3-0 at Leek CSOB thanks to a hat-trick from the home side's top scorer Alan Nagington.

But manager Mick Molloy can take heart from the performance of several young players which he included in his line-up.

Nelson were 3-0 down early in the second half but showed their spirit in a battling second half display with 17-year-olds Ian Entwistle, Danny Steel and Ashley Alderson all contributing to the team effort.

Division Two champions COLNE travel to Norton tonight looking to get back to winning ways after Monday's goalless draw at Great Harwood.