AN OUTSTANDING victory over Gateshead has put Chorley just one win away from a place in the UniBond Premier League - and how much they will hope for a repeat performance on Saturday!
In front of a crowd of 557 Chorley went behind to the visitors' first attack on 20 minutes but replied just two minutes later when a Darren Emmett free-kick floated into the box from all of 30 yards out. Lee Wilkinson challenged the keeper but the ball avoided both of them to land straight in the net.
Minutes later Danny Mills had a fierce shot tipped on to the bar and in their next attack the Magpies went ahead when Darren Emmett crossed perfectly for Ian Barker to slot home.
Lee Wilkinson put the Magpies further ahead shortly before the break with a spectacular flick over his shoulder for a brilliant goal.
The Magpies dominated the early stages of the second half with Lee Wilkinson heading just wide although Lee Bracey soon had to save well to deny the visitors a goal. The Magpies goal, though, was rarely threatened.
The pacey Dean Butterworth ran on to a through ball and to chip the keeper but could only hit the side netting. Chorley went further ahead when Danny Mills scored from close range following a pin-point cross from Emmett.
Gateshead scored a late consolation.
Andy Mason sealed the victory when, following a shot from Mills, which the keeper could only parry, he buried home the rebound.
Minutes later the final whistle was blown and hundreds of delirious Magpies fans invaded the pitch in celebration.
The Magpies will meet Radcliffe Borough or North Ferriby United away from home in the play-off final on Saturday with a UniBond Premier Division place at stake.
Promotion would also put Chorley in contention for a place in the new Conference Northern Division which is being formed the season after next.
The play-off final could see another meeting with former Chorley star Kevin Glendon, who has guided Radcliffe Borough to third place.
This season Molyneaux's men have beaten North Ferriby twice and drawn with Radcliffe twice - and could easily have won at least one of those encounters so the Magpies must be confident of victory.
Final score:Chorley 5 Gateshead 2
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