DESPITE holding a half-time lead Chorley were unable to prevent Spennymoor, revitalised under ex-Bishop Auckland manager Tony Lee, from extending their winning run in the UniBond First Division to four matches.

If the Magpies shaded an entertaining first half on a heavy pitch, the home side increasingly dominated the second period to finish much the stronger and deserve the three points.

The Moors' livewire striker Wayne Edgcumbe twice fired warning shots with angled drives just off target in a bright opening but it was Chorley who snatched a 20th minute lead when a left-wing free kick led to a melee in the Spennymoor goalmouth and Ian Barker's shot was turned past the keeper by Andy Mason, his 23rd goal of the season.

Chorley were seeing plenty of the ball but as the Moors retaliated, Edgcumbe forced Magpies' keeper Simon Marsh to make two excellent saves diving to his left.

The visitors again began positively after the break but the more direct style of Spennymoor was better suited to the conditions and it was no surprise when they equalised after 61 minutes, Stephen Bell finishing off a smart attack with a low shot into the corner of the net.

A promising Chorley counter came to nothing when Mason broke clear but elected to shoot with both Barker and Danny Mills up in support and perhaps better-placed to score.

The winning goal on 79 minutes was a quality piece of strong running and finishing by the irrepressible Edgcumbe who broke quickly and left defenders toiling in his wake before drawing Marsh and sliding the ball past him into the net.

Chorley manager Ken Wright introduced Jamie Bates, finally signed from Salford City after a change of heart, at left-back and he made a useful debut.

But Saturday's defeat cost the Magpies two places in the table and they need to rediscover winning form promptly in successive home games against Belper Town and Ashton United.

Rossendale's Division One clash with Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road was postponed.

SPENNYMOOR UNITED...2 CHORLEY...1