CHORLEY finally returned to UniBond first division action after an enforced three-week lay-off but it was anything but an auspicious start to their 2003 programme.

The Magpies were clearly outpointed by a better co-ordinated Kendal side who extended their recent fine run to seven unbeaten games and climbed above Chorley into the top six.

Keeper Lee Bracey, whose handling was uncertain throughout, gifted Kendal a fourth-minute goal when he came out to punch clear a lofted free-kick only to knock the ball down to Jamie Close who turned the ball over the line.

Danny Mills came close to an equaliser on ten minutes but his placed shot from an angle passed the wrong side of the far post.

Chorley continued to press and Andy Mason's headed deflection of debutant Bobby Jones' shot flew just over the bar.

As the interval approached Dave Foster's neat turn and shot almost brought Kendal a second goal and then Lee Southwood cleared off the line following another ill-fated foray from goal by Bracey.

Kendal went two up on 47 minutes when Foster fired into the bottom corner following a quick breakaway and cross from the right but Chorley were back in the game within five minutes when Joe Murray's deft lob crept into the net off the post despite the attempts of two defenders to clear off the line.

The Magpies then enjoyed another busy spell and for a while looked likely to find an equaliser, several decent efforts being charged down in the Kendal six-yard box.

But a soft third goal for the home side on 72 minutes effectively ended the contest.

A needlessly-conceded free-kick was played in for substitute Ian Simpson to head in completely unchallenged and if that wasn't enough ex-Magpie Damian Corcoran embarrassed his old club with a fourth five minutes from the end.

Receiving unmarked from a quick throw-in, Corcoran promptly swept a low drive just inside the post.

On this form, promotion for Chorley is a fading dream.

Chorley Reserves moved back to the top of the Lancashire League after a hard-fought but well-deserved 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley Reserves at Victory Park.

Chorley's scheduled Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy second round tie at Morecambe has been put back a further week to enable Morecambe to play a Nationwide Conference fixture this week. The match will now be played on Tuesday, January 28.

KENDAL TOWN...4 CHORLEY...1