Chorley 2, Bradford Park Avenue 1

THE vagaries of football were neatly encapsulated at Victory Park on Saturday. Having lost at Bradford 4-1 a few weeks ago and been hammered 6-0 the previous weekend, a Chorley win didn't seem likely.

The Magpies though had other ideas and produced a gutsy display to upset Bradford's promotion hopes.

Without influential defenders Fleming and Kay, Chorley pressed Corceran into emergency service at centre-half and, alongside Leather, he gave an excellent performance.

Chorley though had to come from behind to win when, after an even opening, Bradford took a 24th minute lead Maxwell heading in at the far post from Dolby's fine cross. The Magpies were on terms within minutes. A reckless challenge by James on Mitchell saw referee Oldham immediately point to the spot and Mitchell picked himself up to send Kelly the wrong way with the penalty.

Ten minutes after the restart Wilson's foul brought him a yellow card and, even worse for him, led to what proved to be the winner.

Gaffey swung over the free-kick which eluded everybody including keeper Kelly, and Barker popped up beyond the far post to sidefoot his 14th goal of the season.

Things got worse for Bradford shortly after Barker's goal when Avenue's scorer Maxwell was instantly shown the red card for a dreadful challenge on Critchley.

Bradford's ten men rarely threatened apart from a couple of free-kicks comfortably dealt with by Marsh and man-of-the-match Mitchell almost made it three with a marvellous chip which grazed the bar.

This Saturday Chorley travel to Accrington. The supporters coach leaves at 2pm and costs £5. Ring Fraser on 234853 to book a seat.

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