IT could hardly have been easier as Chorley cruised into the first round proper of the FA Umbro Trophy with a very professional performance.

The new central defensive pairing of ex-Stockport County regular Andy Thorpe and former Bury player Steve Hook with Kenny Mayers operating to great effect in midfield has transformed the Magpies into a team with the winning look and they carried far too many guns for Winsford.

Once Chorley had taken a 12 minute lead the result was never in doubt. Grant Leitch released the impressive Dave McKearney on the right and his low cross was forced in by Mayers after the keeper had blocked Brian Ross's shot.

Leitch made it two on 35 minutes firing low into the net after Lee Trundle had opened up the visitors' defence.

When the lively Mayers headed in Leitch's chip from the by line in the 65 minutes the contest was effectively over. A spirited rally by Winsford prevented further damage but Chorley's young deputy keeper John Chadwick had little to do until he was caught out by a John Bishop lob two minutes from the end.

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