TWO opportunist first half goals by Keith Evans set up Chorley's third away win in the UniBond First Division in an exciting match on an excellent playing surface.

But the Magpies had to soak up considerable pressure from the home side before pocketing the points.

Evans was quickly in the picture, setting up Neil Mitchell, who sliced his shot well wide. It was a superb strike which put Chorley ahead on 29 minutes. Evans, receiving from Paul Allen, neatly side stepped a defender before cheekily beating the keeper with a delightful chip from 25 yards.

Chorley went two up on 36 minutes after smart work by Ian Barker, whose cleverly-flighted cross was met by Evans with a simple header.

As Stocksbridge hit back, Simon Marsh twice saved bravely.

Stocksbridge new signing Chris Dolby wasted a good chance by firing over the bar. Chorley's Eric Rostron was denied by a great save from Evans' lay off, but then on 64 minutes the home side pulled a goal back. Dolby neatly tucked his shot just inside the post.

Marsh later excelled himself by snatching the ball off the dangerous Dolby's toes, and the keeper was forced to make a double point-blank save as Chorley hung on.

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