Chorley 1 Guiseley 0 THEY say all good things come to an end and so, presumably, do all bad things.

For the first time since 1982, when they won 3-1 at Matlock, Chorley kicked off a league campaign with a victory. It was a hard-earned three points too, against a Guiseley side that provided obdurate, if rather unimaginative, opposition.

This was a convincing start by Dave Sutton's new-look Chorley team, which included seven new faces in the starting line-up, though two of those, keeper Chris Clarke and midfielder Tony Ward, have had previous spells at Victory Park. Given so many new men, this was an encouraging performance in terms of cohesion and the Magpies certainly played some superb stuff. They totally dominated the first half without creating too much in the way of clean-cut chances. The nearest to a goal came when Karl Marginson unleashed a fierce drive which Dennison couldn't hold and both Proctor and Ross couldn't quite force the loose ball home.

Dave Sutton decided on a substitution at half time and it proved inspired. The Magpies brought on Lee Trundle - some luxury to have such talent on the bench! - for Jamie Proctor and with virtually his first touch he broke the deadlock. Ward, captaining the side superbly, won the ball before releasing Fleming and the full back delivered a superb cross from the byline which Trundle headed powerfully into the roof of the net.

Having shown a little attacking ambition, the goal forced Guiseley out of their shells and Atkinson drifted a shot over Clarke's crossbar and Matthews headed an inviting chance hopelessly off target. On the hour, Chorley made two further substitutions with Emerson and McHugh replacing Blackstone and Marginson. Trundle was proving a real handful for the Guiseley defence and he cleverly set up Emerson for a stinging shot which Dennison saved well.

The Chorley defence was generally well in control with Abel outstanding on his debut, but Clarke still needed to be alert to smother Matthews' low drive. Bottomley blazed over following a corner and the Magpies were then indebted to Clarke for a late save which even at this early stage may not be bettered all season. Following a free kick, Flanaghan's shot took a deflection but Clarke somehow twisted in mid air to pull off a quite magnificent save. Minutes later the final whistle went to spark off celebrations among the near-on 600 excited fans.

TEAM: Clarke, Fleming, Thomas, Mayers, Abel, Wright, Proctor, Ward, Ross, Blackstone, Marginson. Subs: Trundle, Emerson, McHugh. Man of the match: Graham Abel

ZThis Saturday, Chorley make the long trip to Boston. The supporters' coach leaves at llam and costs £10. Contact Fraser on 234853 to book a seat. Next Tuesday evening Barrow are the visitors to Victory Park.

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