The crowd’s tumultuous reaction following Matt Jansen’s spectacular late leveller in Chorley’s 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Friday made a big impression on Garry Flitcroft.

The new boss reflected: “There wouldn’t be a lot there watching Bolton reserves, so the cheers must have been from our own fans and that’s really encouraging.

“In the first half we created more chances than Bolton, and Mark Houghton, who came to us with a big scoring reputation, was unlucky not to equalise when he headed against the crossbar soon after they had taken the lead.

“I was pleased with our performance and teamwork, especially as we’ve been together for only a few weeks and it was only our third match this pre-season.

“The lads were up for it and against a big club like Preston or Bolton it’s like a cup final for them.”

Friday¹s attendance of 808 was boosted by the discounted family ticket scheme for the pre-season home games.

It was Chorley’s second bumper gate on successive Fridays, following a 1,500 turnout for the Jack Kirkland Trophy match against Preston, and included many fans being tempted back to the club after years of absence.

Jansen’s spectacular bicycle-kick equaliser came only three minutes from time.

The former Bolton and Blackburn striker hooked in a Jamie Vermiglio header after speedy winger Shelton Payne, who was signed only days earlier, had set up Steve Burke on the right. It was the best move of an entertaining, well-fought game.

New striker Houghton almost levelled in the first half but his header hit the bar with keeper Jay Lynch beaten.

The Magpies, playing in a new light blue strip, were more than a match for the full-timers, coming back strongly after centre-half Mark Connolly, a £1 million signing from Wolves last year, gave Bolton a 10th-minute lead following a corner.

Chorley deserved something from the game and manager Flitcroft was justifiably pleased with his players’ performances, attitude and commitment.

“Shelton Payne is a very exciting talent and I¹m sure our fans are going to love watching him play. I’m confident I can get the best out of him.

“He hadn¹t trained for three weeks before we signed him and on Friday he tweaked a hamstring, but he should be back in a week or so,” he said.