CHORLEY produced a performance full of character to topple runaway UniBond First Division leaders Alfreton, fully justifying manager Mark Molyneaux's pre-match pledge not to seek a smash-and-grab win but to go fearlessly for goals.

His players gave everything, trading blows with a physically strong Town side in a compelling contest, stoutly resisting a second half onslaught before wrapping up a deserved victory with two superb opportunist goals.

Chorley utilised the slope effectively to shade the first half, the pace up front of Ian Barker and David Eatock repeatedly causing Alfreton problems. It was Barker who created the opening goal in the 16th minute, when he burst past a defender before cutting inside, drawing keeper Ross Turner and unselfishly squaring the ball for Danny Mills to score as he pleased.

Little was seen of the home attack until shortly before half-time, when efforts from Ryan France and Ian Askey were both too high.

The Magpies continued to press after the break and Lee Wilkinson was twice just off-target after initial shots had been blocked.

But by the hour mark Chorley were coming under increasing pressure as Alfreton forced corner after corner. However, actual shots on target were few, though Lee Bracey made one excellent stop from prolific scorer Mick Godber.

Town finally equalised after 75 minutes when Carl Bradshaw's header from a corner found the net in off a post.

But if Alfreton scented victory they were rocked back within a minute when Wilkinson headed on to Darren Emmett who, instantly thundered a glorious 35-yards drive past a stranded Turner into the top corner of the net to restore the Magpies' lead.

The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side and Barker might have done better than fire over from Wilkinson's pass.

But intelligent opportunism from substitute Dean Butterworth put the issue beyond doubton 87 minutes. Determinedly chasing a long ball, Butterworth cleverly anticipated Alfreton skipper Darren Brookes' attempt to head back to his keeper and nipped in to lift the ball over Turner for a stunning finish which triggered great celebrations among Chorley's sizeable travelling support.

Although there was a final scare for the Magpies when Askey rounded Bracey but then shot wide of the gaping goal, Chorley had done more than enough to win a gripping battle.

Alfreton will surely still take the championship but these three points may yet see Chorley squeeze into the play-offs if they can now win four of their last five matches.

ALFRETON TOWN...1 CHORLEY...3